CHANGES IN POLICY SINCE LAST GENERAL COUNCIL IN

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1 Candidates being offered to Ottawa Presbytery for election as nominees to the M&O Conference AGM Nominations process for Commissioners to General Council 42 in August 2015 in Cornerbrook, Nfld CHANGES IN POLICY SINCE LAST GENERAL COUNCIL IN 2012 M&O Conference is electing its commissioners a year earlier, that is at the AGM preceding the year in which the GC will meet. M&O Conference has a new policy regarding the number of demographic designated positions. The policy is as follows: Policy For The Election Of General Council Commissioners ESTABLISHED November 4, 2011, amended November 8, 2013: Effective GC42 (2015), Synode Montreal & Ottawa Conference is entitled to send 23 commissioners Balance of Lay and Ordered Ministry. 20 commissioner names are obtained from presbytery nominations two Lay and two Order of Ministry personnel from each presbytery. Five (5) persons are elected commissioner by office (Past-President, President, President-Elect, 2 representatives to General Council Executive). Three (3) are elected as youth and young adult commissioners (required to be 30 years of age or younger in August 2015). Two (2) are elected as representatives of Ministries in French Three (3) will be open for election on the floor of the Annual Meeting Each Presbytery is invited to nominate up to four persons, at least one of these 4 people would be 30 years of age or under and the 4 would include two lay persons and two ministry personnel. (Ordained, Diaconal & Designated Lay Ministers The Manual (a)). The Conference strives for a balance of experienced and new commissioners. Experience or inexperience are not considered as categories, but nonetheless, General Council experience is a valuable asset and is one consideration. Note: Experience for purposes of the biographical sketch and selection process of the Conference Nominations Committee will mean having attended a previous meeting of the General Council or having served on General Council Executive, Divisions or Committees. To be elected, Commissioners must attend the M&O Annual General Meeting and will be expected to attend a one-day orientation event held in Lachine (normally in late June, early July). They can also expect to make themselves available for reporting and discussion within the conference, especially in their home presbytery. 2. Each Presbytery will send its nominations to the Conference Nominations Committee by May 15, along with a biographical sketch for each nominee. 3. The Conference Nominations Committee will also ask the Conference Youth and Young Adult Committee to suggest some names for youth and young adult commissioners. The Conference Nominations Committee would choose a total of 3 nominees from YAYA and the Presbyteries' youth and young adult nominations, one of whom is from Ministries in French. 4. The Conference Nominations committee will also ask La Table M&O to suggest some names for Ministries in French representatives. The Conference nominations committee would choose a total of 2 nominations from La Table M&O and the Presbyteries Ministries in French nominations. 5. The Conference Nominations Committee will select from the names submitted, five lay persons, five ministry persons, three youth and young adult and two Ministries in French commissioners for election at the Annual Meeting of Conference. They will attempt to achieve balance (e.g. gender, urban/rural, age, experience, and varieties of ministry personnel) within the slate of twenty-three persons. Every effort will be made to send commissioners from within the boundaries of all Presbyteries; but Commissioners represent the Conference and are available to report to any Presbytery. 6. Four lists, in priority order, of alternate commissioners to General Council will be created by the Conference Nominations Committee one ministry personnel, one lay, one youth and young adult and one Ministries in French. If alternates are needed, they will be taken in order from the appropriate list. 7. Nominations for the three remaining positions will be received through nominations at the Annual Meeting of Conference. The Nominations Ministry Team of Ottawa Presbytery having received the following persons whose names have been forwarded by two presbyters for inclusion in the ballot for nominees as commissioners nominations to Montreal and Ottawa Conference for GC42 1

2 LAY REPRESENTATIVES TO BE CONSIDERED Nicole Beaudry After prayer and discernment I am submitting my name in the hope of being chosen as a Delegate to General Council 42. I am a Delegate to GC41 and have been fulfilling all the duties attached to the task. As a bilingual francophone I have submitted my name to be part of the Worship Team at the coming General Council in Corner Brook. I am in my second term as a member of the Executive of General Council as the Lay Representative of the francophone constituency. There I serve on the Nominations Committee. I am a member of Bells Corners United Church in Nepean, Ontario. I am a Licensed Lay Worship Leader since I serve on the committee for ministères en français of the Ottawa Presbytery. I am one of the two representants of the presbytery to the Table de Concertation des ministères en français du Synode Montreal & Ottawa. I am also a member of the Table Nationale de concertation des Ministères en français. At the local level, I was one of the two coordinators for the project in West Quebec that culminated with the formation of a collective named Église Unie de la Grâce United Church. I have been named by Ottawa Presbytery as a resource person to help with the development of french ministries within the new collective. One topic that has captured my interest as it has for many of the church is the Comprehensive Review and the possible rebirth of our United Church of Canada. This will certainly be at the center of GC42. I have been following the work of the Task Group since it embarked on the journey. I have grown to be quite passionate about the development of Ministries in French at all levels and in all areas. Christ s call to us to go and touch and encounter our brothers and sisters where they are is what feeds me and gives me energy. Après une période de prière et de discernement je soumets ma candidature et espère être choisie comme déléguée au 42e Conseil Général. Comme francophone bilingue, je crois pouvoir être utile au sein de l équipe des célébrations lors du Conseil Général 42 à Corner Brook et j ai donné mon nom pour en faire partie. Comme déléguée au GC41 je m acquitte des devoirs qui y sont rattachés. J en suis à mon deuxième triennat comme membre du comité exécutif du Conseil Général en tant que représentante laïque de la constituante francophone. Je suis membre du comité des nominations. Je fais partie de la paroisse de Bells Corners United Church à Nepean en Ontario. Depuis 1999, je suis célébrante laïque autorisée dans le consistoire d Ottawa. Je suis très active au sein des Ministères en français d abord au comité des MiF du consistoire d Ottawa, puis comme représentante à la table de concertation régionale du synode de Montréal & Ottawa, et aussi comme membre de la Table Nationale de concertation des Ministères en français. Sur le plan local, j étais une des deux qui ont coordonné le projet dans l Outaouais qui a abouti à la création d un collectif de cinq paroisses qui a pris le nom de Église unie de la Grâce United Church. Le consistoire d Ottawa m a nommée comme personne ressource pour aider au développement d une nouvelle forme de ministère en français dans cette région. Comme beaucoup dans l Église Unie du Canada, le sujet de la Révision globale et la possibilité d une renaissance de notre église a capté mon intérêt. La Révision globale sera au coeur du CG42. Je suis de près le déroulement des activités du groupe de travail pour la Révision globale depuis ses débuts. Thank you for your consideration. Shalom- Nicole Beaudry 2 À mesure que je m implique de plus en plus, je suis devenue passionnée pour les Ministères en français à tous les niveaux. L appel que le Christ nous fait d aller toucher et rencontrer nos soeurs et nos frères là où ils sont, est ce qui me nourrit et m énergise.

3 STATEMENT FROM NOMINATORS C est avec une joie sincère que j appuie la candidature de Nicole Beaudry en tant que déléguée au 42 e Conseil Général de l Église Unie du Canada (Corner Brook, 2015). En 2015, Nicole aura servi 6 ans au sein de l exécutif national de l Église Unie du Canada ce qui lui procure une position privilégiée pour comprendre et étudier le rapport du comité de la révision globale. J ai aussi eu le bonheur de servir avec Nicole au sein de l ancienne Unité des Ministères en Français et du groupe de travail sur les ministères en Français du Consistoire d Ottawa où son désir de créer des ponts entre les communautés anglophones et francophones a toujours été grandement apprécié. Au 42 e Conseil Général, les membres du comité de liturgie devront également être délégués officiels en raison des coûts élevés de transports pour se rendre à Corner Brook. Nicole est une célébrante laïque depuis 1999 et elle a contribué à la formation de beaucoup de laïcs dans le Consistoire d Ottawa. Je crois qu il est essentiel que le Consistoire d Ottawa et le Synode de Montréal & Ottawa occupent une position de leader afin que la voix des Francophones de notre Église soit aussi entendue à Terre-Neuve en Dans le Christ, Rev. Stéphane Vermette, United Church Kanata It is with deep joy that I put forward the candidacy of Nicole Beaudry as Commissioner to the 42 nd General Council of the United Church of Canada (Corner Brook, 2015). By 2015 Nicole will have served 6 years on the General Council Executive, an experience that gives her a deep understanding of the upcoming Comprehensive Review Task Group report. I also had the privilege to serve with Nicole on the former national Ministries In French Unit as well as on the Ottawa Presbytery Groupe de Travail sur les Ministères en Français. Her continuous desire to build bridges between the Anglophones and Francophones communities has always been celebrated. At the 42 nd General Council, the member of the Liturgy Team will also have to be Commissioners due to the travel costs to get to Corner Brook. Nicole has been a Licensed Lay Worship Leader since 1999 and she has been active in the formation of many lay leaders in our own presbytery. I am firmly convinced that Ottawa Presbytery and Montreal & Ottawa Conference have an essential part to play as leaders in this United Church of ours so the voices of the Francophones could be heard in Newfoundland in In Christ, Rev. Stéphane Vermette, Kanata United Church I met Nicole in 1999 when we both took the Lay Preacher s Course (now LLWL) offered by the Ottawa Presbytery. For over 15 years, Nicole and I are regular attendees of the Ottawa Presbytery. She s known for her participation with Ministries in French and I truly enjoy her teaching prowess and her ability to engage us in the French language. She is a wonderful person to work with and certainly someone whose wealth of knowledge and wisdom is incredible. I would describe Nicole as a committed, down-to-earth person with many gifts and talents to share. In December last year, Nicole transferred her membership to Bells Corners United Church and we are simply blessed to have her with us. She s an enthusiastic worship leader and the congregation at Bells Corners commended her worship leadership skills. Nicole attends our lectionary group that meets every Tuesday. She is also our new addition to the social outreach group as Mission & Service Enthusiast. Nicole s wider church involvement is not only limited to Ottawa. In fact, she is a member of the national table for the French Ministries. What a gift Nicole is for the 42 nd General Council. I believe she will be an excellent addition to the Worship Team. Respectfully yours, Rev. Kim Vidal 3

4 David Patterson As a member of the United Church of Canada and a presbytery representative from Orleans United Church, I would like to submit my name as a candidate to attend and represent the Ottawa Presbytery and Montreal & Ottawa Conference. I have attended two general councils in the past, one in London, Ontario and one in Victoria, British Columbia. I was also a member of the local arrangements committee that hosted the last General Council in Ottawa. Over thirty five years as presbytery representative from Orleans United Church, I have also been a member of the programming board of the United Church of Canada and was part of the initial setting up of Vision Television. My involvement in presbytery and conference has mostly been on the communications side with providing technical assistance at major meetings. I am now part of the staff committee of the Ottawa presbytery. I have recently retired from the RCMP as a civilian member after fourth eight years, involved with communications systems including audio and visual systems design. Now that I am retired, I will have more time to dedicate to church life and hope to become part of the greater church. As a licenced lay preacher, I see the opportunity to be part of the United Church challenge to turn around the decline and become a more robust faith organization. I was very impressed with the Edge Ministries presentation at our Presbytery meeting that demonstrated the numerous ways that greater cooperation between the churches is possible to provide support for struggling communities and I would like to be part of that team. I would like to be part of the deliberation and discussion about the future of our denomination. The comprehensive review is important to all parts of the church. At our recent Presbytery meeting, the discussion paper Fishing on the Other Side highlighted for me, areas where I would like to be part of the greater discussion, especially in areas where churches and congregations need to work together, in a cluster environment to support each other. As a committed lay person, I feel it is important to bring my perspectives to this conversation. Orleans United congregation, which I am part of, is very much alive and our focus on Believe, Belong and Become needs to be shared with the greater church as we move forward as ambassadors for God s church in this great country. I respectively submit my name as a candidate for the 42 nd General Council to be held in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland & Labrador in August, 8-15, David G. Patterson. Statement from Nominator I am nominating David Patterson from Orleans United Church of the Ottawa Presbytery for General Council 42 Commissioner because I believe he would serve with integrity, honour, and compassion; he has an inborn capacity for fairness. I know he would like to turn the church around, to try to attract young families, and is keen to learn what other ministries are doing to draw people in. He has often expressed a deep desire to work with other churches to see what success can be achieved nationally. Dave is a member in good standing of the United Church of Canada and his theology and convictions are firmly rooted in the UCC basis of faith I have never heard another man say I love church. Respectfully submitted, Marni Hunt Stephens, Presbytery Rep Orleans United Church 4

5 Hanna Strong Growing up in the United Church, I have always been an active part of my congregation in City View United Church (in Ottawa), St. Paul s UC (in Perth), and in Glen Cairn UC (in Kanata) where I am currently the Presbytery Representative and serve in this capacity on our congregational council. Having attended Youth Forum in 2008 and 2009 while in Bay of Quinte Conference, Rendez-Vous in 2011, Worshiplude/The Point in , Camp Awesome Counsellor in 2011, and commissioner to the 41 st General Council, I continue to play an active role in the United Church at many levels. I am also very involved in the community around me, attending National We Day 2012 in Montreal, National We Day 2013 in Ottawa, and National We Day UK this past March, while also organising and participating in social justice groups both in high school and in university. Having completed my first year at Bader International Study Centre in Herstmonceux, England, I am looking forward to moving to Kingston and attending Queen s University at its main campus for my second year. As a commissioner to GC41, I took an active part in the decision-making process, reading through the Workbook before arriving and asking all questions and voicing all concerns before making my decision on my vote. As a commissioner to the 42 nd General Council, I would once again bring that dedication to the Church and its future, focussing on the work of the Comprehensive Review Committee and the role of youth and young adults as the church moves into the 21 st -century. Attending GC42 would also allow me the opportunity to follow up on and continue forward from the decisions made at GC41 and would allow me to have a say on the reports, decisions, and actions taken since General Council s last meeting. As the church continues on its path of modernisation, I feel that my thoughts are an asset to the wider church, and these opinions would be brought before the larger church at General Council not only through discussion but through my vote. Great dedication would also be given to the work of the United Church as we work for peace in our increasingly unstable world and as we work for the less fortunate in our society here in Canada. As a young adult, I feel that my age not only allows me to see the church in a new and modern way, but brings a perspective of the issues that will become increasingly important as leadership in the church falls to the younger generations. Accordingly, I feel that my presence at GC42 would be beneficial, and hope that the members of Montreal and Ottawa Conference agree. If elected, I look forward to serving our United Church as a commissioner from Montreal and Ottawa Conference. Statement from Nominators I would like to nominate Hanna Strong as a Commissioner to General Council. Hanna is an active member of Glen Cairn United Church and brings a passion for the mission of the United Church and a commitment to the Christ s ministry in the world by working for justice and peace. She is currently attending Queen s University and is engaged in the issues which challenge the world today. Hanna brings joy to life and a wisdom beyond her years. She was a member of Glen Cairn s Church Council and a representative to Ottawa presbytery and is well acquainted with the governance of the United Church, and the difficult decisions which face our community of faith. Hanna offers a youthful perspective on the reality of living faithfully in our world. She will listen and enlighten the conversation, and share a voice which the church needs to hear in its present situation. I highly commend Hanna to Ottawa presbytery as a commissioner to the General Council. Sincerely, Rev. Brian Copeland It is my great pleasure to second the nomination of Ms. Hanna Strong to be elected as a commissioner to GC. 42. I have known Hanna for 16 years and appreciated her presence at City View United Church while her father Rev. Whit Strong and I were serving together in team ministry. Hanna knows the workings of the United Church, and her youthful enthusiasm and keen insights are valuable to the church at this present time. She was a commissioner to the last General Council and I believe that continuity of representation is important for the church as this time. She would be an excellent commissioner in Sincerely, Rev. Neil Wallace 5

6 MINISTRY PERSONNEL TO BE CONSIDERED Rev. Elizabeth Bryce Biography: Elizabeth grew up in Montreal and Ottawa Conference, and was an active member of St John s United Church in Pointe Claire, QC, until her ordination in She was settled in Saskatchewan Conference, where she served 3 pastoral charges. In 2003, Elizabeth and family moved to Ottawa, and Elizabeth has served at three pastoral charges in Ottawa Presbytery: at Ashton-Munster, at MacKay United and currently at Rideau Park United Church. Elizabeth attended General Council in Montreal in 1980 (as a youth forum delegate!). Conference and Presbytery committee work has included Pastoral Relations, Pastoral Care and Oversight, Nominations, Sexual Abuse in the Church, Affirming Congregations, Global Partners, Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations, Ministry in French, church camping and youth programs. Statement: As someone who has moved across the country, I have a deep commitment to the strength and passion of our national church. We encompass many faith communities: congregational and outreach ministries; rural and urban; Francophone, Anglophone, and other languages; multigenerational and aging; all have been served with many approaches to ministry. Our United Church identity is continually evolving and diverse, and I think my years in the church have taught me to be a bridge builder between different communities, different generations, and different theologies. The Comprehensive Review Task Group s work will require us to think creatively, to move beyond our individual issues and to shape bridges between where we are as a church today and what we would like to grow into. Statement from Nominator The Rev. Elizabeth Bryce has a broad, well-grounded, understanding of scripture, and an inclusive theology. She has a strong sense of justice and is articulate in expressing her opinions. Her ability to listen to others and respect their opinions makes her a team player. Experience in providing leadership to rural, small town, and now urban congregations gives Elizabeth an understanding of the diversity of The United Church of Canada. Other skills include creative worship preparation and the ability to speak French. An active participant in both Presbytery and Conference committees, she will be well prepared for the work of General Council and will bring information back to share with Presbytery and Conference. Norma McCord 6

7 Rev. Glen Stoudt Equal Collaborative Team Minister at Orleans United Church Biography I was ordained in 1977 with the Moravian Church. Since affiliating with the United Church of Canada in 1994 I have actively participated in a wide range of roles active layperson, ordained minister (as a Senior Minister and in an equal, collaborative ministry team), and volunteer associate minister (while teaching in a theological seminary from 2005 to 2010). I have served briefly in a rural pastoral charge (Kirkhill, Seaway Valley) and two suburban pastoral charges (Trinity ( ) and Orleans (2010-present)). I was officially received as a minister in the United Church in 1998 after completing coursework at Queens Theological. Throughout my relationship with the Ottawa Presbytery I have served the church in numerous ways consultant to the Presbytery Executive, education supervisor/advisor to 4 theological students, Conference Planning Committee, consultant to Conference Stewardship Committee, Presbytery Executive Restructuring Task Group and Implementation Team, resource person to UCC Narrative Budget webinars, teaching with Licensed Lay Worship Leader program, and recently with the Organization of Pastoral Charges Subcommittee of the Pastoral Care and Oversight Committee. Last summer I did volunteer at the 41 st General Council in Ottawa, but this would be my first experience as a General Council Commissioner and with participating directly with the General Council Executive or any of its committees. Statement from Nominator It is with great pleasure that I submit this nomination for the Rev. Dr. Glen Stoudt to serve as a General Council Commissioner for the 42nd General Council. Glen would bring to this position a broad variety of gifts in ministry, a commitment to the United Church of Canada, a progressive vision for the future of our denomination, and deep sense of personal spirituality. Glen has served the United Church in varied roles at both the Presbytery and Conference levels, investing himself wholly in all that he undertakes. He brings wisdom, discernment and a desire to listen to God's call to all discussions and deliberations in which he engages. Glen will serve our denomination faithfully as a Commissioner, and would be a tremendous gift to this General Council. Rev. Molly Bell 7

8 Rev. Kim Vidal - Settled and served the Osgoode-Kars Pastoral Charge for about 4 years ( ); -Accepted a call at Bells Corners United Church as Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care in August 2013 and now in my 8 th month; -Joined the Moderator s Pilgrimage in Cheltenham, UK in August 2013; -Volunteered at the GC 41 held in Ottawa as Choir member, lunch server and part of the Rural Ministry Team; -Trained as Racial Justice Facilitator in Toronto and offered 4 workshops in Montreal & Ottawa Conference; -Currently serving as member of the Pastoral Care & Oversight Committee; past member of the Ottawa Presbytery Executive in (Faith Formation Group); -Volunteered at the M&O Conference AGM as Table Facilitator, Choir Member and Workshop Leader; -Served as Youth Minister in Stittsville (3 years) & Parkdale (about a year); - I am interested to hear what the Comprehensive Review Task Group will share in its mandate to discern where God s Spirit is leading the church in the near future. - I would like to engage in discussions regarding Children, Youth & Young Adults very close to my heart; - I d like to keep myself abreast regarding Racial Justice issues and Intercultural Ministries; - I d love to visit Newfoundland as I have not been to this wonderful place in my life. - An exciting opportunity to connect with clergy & lay commissioners and to elect the next UCC Moderator. - I will go where the Spirit leads!!! Statement from Nominator I have known Kim for eight years, first from studying theology in discussion groups and in class at Queen s, and more recently, as a peer in ministry. Kim is able to balance a busy home life with a dedication to all aspects of her practice of ministry with Bells Corners United. Her leadership skills in ministry range from ecumenical youth groups, to gifted musical (guitar and singing) creativity, to well-researched study groups. Kim is a published author. She is unafraid to tackle challenging discussions, actively participating with various Bible Study groups. She is a deeply spiritual, faith-full thinker. Kim has a true gift of holy hospitality ; not only does she welcome visitors gladly into her home, but she also welcomes others opinions and personal theologies. While she makes time for regular devotions and scriptural study, Kim appears to be most happy when surrounded by people of faith. Her invitational style of leadership presents a safe and welcoming context for all types of people, which serves her well in her ministry. When Kim asks a question and waits for the response, the speaker can be assured that s/he has Kim s undivided attention. Kim brings a passion for faithful living to all that she does. Academically, Kim is an excellent student who meets deadlines and accomplishes all tasks she commits to do. She welcomes opportunities to blend scripture and research with current events, and easily makes relevant connections between the biblical past and the context of the present. Kim s commitment to her ministry and pastoral care is exemplary. Kim has been blessed with a faith expression and experience from her life in the Philippines and in Canada, which have given her unique gifts in ministry and in related opportunities such as offering Racial Justice training. Her ministry is a living reflection of her commitment to journey in faith with Christ. I am truly pleased to nominate Kim Vidal as a Commissioner to our next General Council. Sincerely, Anne Montgomery, Nominator 8