SECTION C ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTS

Transcription

1 SECTION C ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTS President s Report Conference United Church Women Abuse Prevention and Education Committee (APEC) Committee on Internship and Educational Supervision (CIES) Conference Interview Board In Contact Editorial Board Leadership Resource Development Committee Living Into Right Relations Committee Stewardship and Mission Education Committee Coronation Presbytery Edmonton Presbytery Foothills Presbytery Northern Lights Presbytery Red Deer Presbytery South Alberta Presbytery St. Paul Presbytery Yellowhead Presbytery Student Bursary Fund Society Financial Development Officer, Prairie Region Mission and Service Atlantic School of Theology Centre for Christian Studies St. Andrew s College St. Stephen s College Vancouver School of Theology

2 President s Report to the 85th Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference of the United Church of Canada The following is an itemized list of travel and activities on behalf of Conference from May 2017 until May It has been my honour and a great pleasure to take part in each event. May 26-28, 2017: Attended Mid Triennium Event at Olds. Installed at the Celebration of Ministry worship service on May 28th. I felt very honoured and proud to have been chosen to take on the role of President. June 18, 2017: I brought the Conference banner to hang in the sanctuary of Southern Alberta Japanese United Church, my home congregation. This is the second time we have had the banner, as George Takashima is a Past President of Conference. June 20, 2017: Conference Sub-Executive teleconference meeting. June 24, 2017: I wrote a letter to the editor of The Lethbridge Herald decrying the vandals who defaced the Pride and Transgender crosswalks in Lethbridge. I also walked in the Pride Parade with my daughter and grandson. June 25, 2017: Okotoks United Church Centennial Celebration. I brought compliments and a greeting from Conference. They dedicated four new lovely stained glass windows. There was cake and ice cream after the service. June 29, 2017: Intercultural Standing Committee teleconference meeting to plan An Awkward Conversation: a workshop on racism in the church. July 30, 2017: I led worship at the joint city summer service at Southminster United Church, Lethbridge. I spoke about my Mission and Service pilgrimage to Kenya in April, and our partner in mission, the National Council of Churches of Kenya. September 7, 2017: Intercultural Standing Committee teleconference meeting. September 13, 2017: Conference Planning Committee teleconference meeting. September 24, 2017: I spoke at Sunday service at Stettler United Church about the Mission and Service pilgrimage to Kenya. September 28, 2017: Red Deer Cemetery for the dedication of a headstone to honour four Indigenous children who died at the Red Deer Industrial Indian School during the Spanish flu pandemic in October 4-6, 2017: At Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton for An Awkward Conversation to explore the issue of racism in the church. It was well-attended by folks from the Conference and from the Black Journey group. Our speaker was Dr. Anthony Reddie who eloquently informed us about his experience of racism. October 6-7, 2017: Attendance at Intercultural Ministry executive meeting at Providence Renewal Centre. I presented a slide show about my Kenya visit. October 11-12, 2017: Conference Executive Meeting held at Providence Renewal Centre. I presented the Kenya slide show. October 20, 2017: At Camrose United Church to present the Kenya pilgrimage to the Conference UCW full Executive Meeting and people from Camrose. October 22, 2017: At Ottewell United Church in Edmonton to give the Kenya pilgrimage presentation.

3 October 26, 2017: With Red Deer Presbytery which met at Rimbey United Church. I gave the Kenya pilgrimage presentation with Kathryn Hofley and David Armour from General Council s stewardship group. October 27, 2017: I met with the Conference Stewardship Committee at the Conference office in Edmonton and presented the Kenya talk, again with Kathryn Hofley and David Armour. October 28, 2017: With Kathryn H. and David A. in Calgary at the Calgary Presbytery Learning Day talking about Mission and Service. November 12, 2017: I was with the congregation at Foremost United Church and led worship there. I again talked about Mission and Service and gave the Kenya presentation. November 19, 2017: Coronation United Church to talk about Kenya. Rev. Alwin Maben had planned this as part of a Mission and Service sermon series. November 21, 2017: I brought greetings from Conference to the folks of Calgary Presbytery meeting at Calgary Presbytery. February 6&7, 2018: At General Council office in Toronto for a gathering of Presidents and Presidents-Elect. Executive Secretary, Nora Sanders led the meeting where we learned about the planning to implement Remit changes to our church structure. February 8&9, 2018: snowed in at Calgary for two days. I asked my sister, Linda, who her favourite house guest was. Thank the Lord for family! February 9-11, 2018: With Northern Lights Presbytery meeting at Grande Prairie s St Paul s United Church. I gave the Kenya presentation on the first day and on the Sunday I talked about the experience of Japanese Canadians in the Second World War. Very few people knew that the third largest population of Japanese Canadians is in southern Alberta. February 13, 2018: Conference Planning Committee teleconference. February 22-23, 2018: At Providence Renewal Centre to meet with Intercultural Ministry Standing Committee. We are brainstorming how to continue intercultural work into the new church structure. February 24, 2018: At Edmonton Presbytery meeting at United on Whyte. I gave the Kenya presentation. I am still wearing the same African print dress and scarf that I always wear. Should be washing it soon. February 25, 2018: With Grace United Church in Edmonton and I talked about Kenya again. The Sunday School people were so impressed by the work of the Pembizo Christian Council in Nairobi that they decided to raise funds to support them. This group supports LGBTQ people with the provision of two safe houses and the United Church is the only donor for this work. February 28, 2018: I was with Coronation Presbytery which met in Coronation today. Again talked about the mission work in Kenya. March 13-14, 2018: At FCJ Centre in Calgary for Conference Executive meeting. During this time there was a teleconference with General Council staff regarding the choice of a new Executive Minister for the new Region 3. March 16, 2018: Conference Stewardship teleconference meeting. March 18, 2018: At St. Andrew s United Church in Bow Island. I spoke about the Kenya pilgrimage. March 20, 2018: Theme Committee teleconference planning the worship services at the 85 th Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference.

4 April 4, 2018: Intercultural Standing Committee Teleconference meeting. May 3-5, 2018: In Saskatoon for attendance at Convocation ceremony for St. Andrew s theological College. May 9-13, 2018: In Sherwood Park for the 85th (and last) meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference. To be complete I should add that I have the following presidential duties in the future: June 2-4, 2018: visit Yellowknife and speak at the United Church. June 8, 2018: Intercultural Committee Teleconference meeting June 12, 2018: Foothills Presbytery meeting at Vulcan June 13-14, 2018: St. Paul Presbytery at Camp Whitney June 15-18, 2018: Visit Whitehorse to speak at the United Church July 21-27, 2018: General Council meeting at Oshawa, Ontario September 26-28, 2018: Intercultural meting October 17-18, 2018: Conference Executive meeting October 19-21, 2018: Stewardship Event in Red Deer and/or Yellowhead Presbytery April Lethbridge, Alberta Kathryn Fumiye Yamashita President of Alberta and Northwest Conference

5 Report from the Alberta and Northwest Conference United Church Women to the 85 th Conference Meeting, May 10-13, 2018 The purpose of the United Church Women is To unite women of the congregation for the total mission of the church and to be a means by which we may express our loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, fellowship, and service. Our structure at present parallels the structure of the larger church: we have our local UCW, Presbyterial UCW, Conference UCW and national UCW. Our Conference UCW Annual Meeting in 2017 was held March 30 to April 1 at Providence Centre in Edmonton. In addition to our business meeting, we had two speakers. Michelle Nieviadomy spoke about her work as Oskapew (helper) at the Inner City Pastoral Ministry in Edmonton, and her struggles in becoming comfortable with her Cree heritage. Joel French, Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta, spoke to us on The Path Forward Opportunities to End Child Poverty in Alberta. The ANWC UCW has had a Child Well Being Initiative for the past ten years, through which we have drawn the attention of decision makers to the needs of children living in poverty in Alberta. We have written letters (some on paper lunch bags), visited the legislature, given out pins and T-shirts, and made rag dolls. Each doll is named Hope, and comes with a tag reminding the recipient to consider the needs of children when making policy decisions. The program is winding down in Alberta, but was adopted four years ago as a five year national UCW project, under the name Bread Not Stones. On November 21, we sent our CWBI committee chair to Ottawa, where she and other United Church people participated in a breakfast and panel discussion hosted by the All Party Anti-Poverty Caucus, and brought 338 dolls for Members of Parliament and Senators. The UCW event of the summer was the 55 th Anniversary Celebration in Vancouver from July 10 to 14. Twenty women from Alberta were among the 320 who attended from across Canada. We worshipped, sang, socialized and learned together. The main speaker was Ann Mortifee and the music leader was Linnea Good. Alberta and Northwest Conference UCW gives thanks for the opportunities we have had within this Conference. We appreciate that our President is part of the Conference Executive, and that we have had the opportunity to present Bibles at the annual Celebration of Ministry service. As we move into the future, our priorities include strengthening and supporting our local UCWs and women s groups, and providing opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and learning. It is also important to us to maintain ties with our Conference, and in future with our Regions. In all things, we want to put ourselves in God s path, and be open to the leading of God s spirit. Submitted by Margery Wright, ANWC UCW President,

6 Abuse Prevention and Education Committee The committee consists of Anna Constantin (Chairperson), Shannon Mang, Greg Parker, Murray Speer, Debbie Stockdale, Melanie Weaver, and Earl Reaburn (Conference Staff Resource). The APEC committee now has a new mandate based on the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Policy and Procedures (July 2017) handbook on Pg. 19. Based on this new mandate and policy, if you need to use the policy, you can contact a consultant by phoning Ext 7788 or complaintresponse@unitedchurch.ca Although the name of the Policy has changed, the committee plans to maintain the name Abuse Prevention and Education Committee in this interim period so that people needing to utilize this process can find resource people. Also, as of July 2017, there is a new policy called Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy. This policy includes but not limited to its members, adherents, lay employees and ministry personnel, and elected members or volunteers to maintain safe environments for work, worship, and study, free from harassment and violence. In 2017, a fund was discovered that was created before any policies regarding sexual abuse and misconduct to assist families that found themselves dealing with this situation has been recently rediscovered. Conference Executive approved the following recommendation: The sexual abuse trust fund be transferred to the regional sexual misconduct and response team in the regions that would encompass the current Alberta and Northwest Conference. This means that the funds will be dispersed between regions 2 and 3 in the new model. APEC also hosted an Administrator s Workshop on Verbal Judo to encourage safety and care in the workplace. This was in response in having a workshop available to folks not required to attend the mandatory boundary workshops. APEC is also exploring how we may use the Our Whole Lives (OWL), a United Church of Christ series of sexuality education programs for six age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, Young Adults and Adults in the United Church. The resources are written by professional sexuality educators and provide accurate information for parents, teachers and pastors to be used in the affirming and supportive setting of our churches. Thank you for the opportunity to share some of what is occurring with APEC. Blessings, Anna Constantin (Chair of the Abuse Prevention Education Committee)

7 Conference Coordinating Committee on Sexual Misconduct or Equivalent Structure From page 19 of the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (July 2017) 1. Committee members shall be appointed by and accountable to the Conference Executive or appropriate designated committee, council, or division. 2. The committee shall be composed of three to five members. 3. Members on the committee shall be appointed for a term of three to five years. Terms of appointments should be staggered in a manner that will provide for continuity in the work of the committee. A member shall not serve more than two consecutive terms. 4. Members shall have an understanding of sexual misconduct that is consistent with the values of this policy and be accepting of all sexual orientations. Responsibilities All members of the committee are required: 1. To become familiar with the issues involved in sexual misconduct and commit to keeping up to date on these issues. 2. To familiarize themselves with resources (e.g., secular resource people, educational materials, distress centres, women s centres, legal and medical advisors) within the Conference. 3. To promote within the Conference an awareness of issues related to sexual misconduct, and the underlying social, political, and theological factors. 4. To ensure there is an awareness within the Conference of the role of the committee and the consultants, and to be aware of the names and contact information for all consultants. 5. To provide initial and ongoing training and support for consultants. 6. To screen and recommend individuals for the positions of consultant to the General Council Office. 7. To be available to the designated officers of the church courts for consultation. 8. To carry out responsibilities as necessary to implement this policy.

8 Report to Alberta and Northwest Conference May, 2018, from CIES (Committee on Internship and Educational Supervision) The members of the current CIES Committee are Beverly Brazier(Chairperson), Mary Faith Blackburn, Terry Pearen, Marco Ste. Marie, Lorraine Stewart and Dianne Crewe. Earl Raeburn staffs our committee. Our tasks include: seeking appropriate learning sites, approving them, making sure there are trained supervisors in place for every learner, making sure each learning site has trained Lay Support Teams, reading and responding to evaluations as they are completed, and being present to each site and learner through what we have called companions. Companions from our committee are assigned to each site and student to help interpret and navigate the process. The highlights of our year as a committee included hosting an orientation event in fall 2017, which, in theory, brings together all learners, supervisors and lay supervision teams. It is delightful to gather all these people, to equip ourselves for our own parts in the internship process. As chair, of all the blessings that this work brings, the best is the opportunity to simply walk with the students as they continue their journeys toward paid accountable ministry: getting to know them, helping them to identify their gifts and growing edges, and celebrating with them at the end of the process. As a committee, God is calling us to excellence when it comes to whatever mandate will be ours in the new structure: to be attentive to the processes and journeys of each student; to do our work in a way that enables rather than encumbers the process. God is calling us to a ministry of careful administration with human warmth and real communication. We anticipate that the new structure will offer opportunities to continue the ministry that has previously been our privilege. God continues to call people into faithful leadership, and the essence of the work of our committee will express itself in new and exciting ways. Beverly Brazier, Chairperson, CIES

9 CONFERENCE INTERVIEW BOARD ALBERTA AND NORTHWEST CONFERENCE ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18 As the people of God, then, the holy people whom God loves, you are to be clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another. Colossians 3:12 and 13 Sweeping changes are coming to the organizational structure of The United Church of Canada in As all of you are well aware by now, we are moving from a four court structure to a three court structure, if the remit authorizing this change is ratified at the General Council gathering that is taking place this summer in July. It is, in so many ways, an exciting time for our church, but with changes of this magnitude, there is also an air of uncertainty. Where is God leading us into the next century of our existence as a church? And how should we best utilize our resources to meet the challenges that lie ahead? Thus the words in the letter written to the Colossians take on an even deeper meaning. We are to bear with one another and clothe ourselves in compassion, generosity, humility, gentleness and patience. Patience will certainly become an important trait to develop for whatever awaits us as a faith community! At the rise of our Conference Annual Meeting, my tenure as Chair of the Conference Interview Board would have officially come to an end, after serving in that capacity for seven years. However, in the midst of all the changes that are occurring, I have been asked to remain as Chair of the CIB for the remainder of I have agreed to do so, as has all of our team. These past seven years have offered us a rich and deeply rewarding experience. Over the course of the s years that I have served in this position, our team has interviewed dozens of candidates for ministry and many others for Admission to The United Church of Canada from other denominations. Each has brought their particular gifts to the church and it has been our task to discern and affirm those gifts. During the 2017/18 church year, we met with four candidates for Diaconal ministry; three candidates for Ordained ministry and four Admissions candidates from a variety of denominations. We were unable to communicate, via Skype, with a fifth Admissions candidate from Zambia and are in the process of finding another way to conduct this interview. We may even have to revert to pen and paper, if you can even imagine it! As always, this work could not be conducted without the expertise and support of Earl Raeburn, our Conference Personnel Officer and Melanie Funk at the Conference Office who ensures that all the files of each candidate are in order before they are interviewed. I also want to offer thanks to Elaine Taylor-Kerr who serves as our Recording Secretary, ensuring that all of the proper forms and paperwork are completed after interviews are completed. All are an integral part of the team. In addition, sincere thanks are offered to the interviewing teams who faithfully prepare for each interview, conduct the interviews and prayerfully offer their assessment and recommendations for each candidate. They are a remarkable group of volunteers, dedicated to the ministry and mission of the church, nurturing candidates along on their journey to leadership in the United Church. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Linda Hunter, Chair

10 Report from the In Contact Editorial Board In Contact is the Alberta and Northwest Conference newsletter which gets inserted into The United Church Observer five times each year. With the publication of In Contact we try to share news about events and happenings in the conference as a way of feeling connected from one part of this vast geographic area to another. We believe that communication is an important way to find out about the work of the spirit in the people, places and communities of faith in the conference and a good way to inspire, affirm and inform. During the past while the In Contact Editorial Board has somewhat regretfully but also with sincere thanks and congratulations accepted the retirement of long term editor Liz Webster Goddard. Liz served us well as the editor for many faithful years. We were also blessed to welcome a new editor Katy Jones who came into the position with education and experience fitting for the work of an editor, as well as a faithful and youthful church connection. Significant changes in the membership of the Editorial Board have occurred in the time since Alberta and Northwest Conference last met. Currently serving on the committee along with the editor are: Austin Fennell, Eileen McMorris, Jope Langejans and Peter Chynoweth as Chair. We are always on the lookout for news from all parts, presbyteries, people and places around the conference. Katy Jones is always ready to hear from you in stories and photos. The stories should be kept to four hundred words, and photos should be chosen with a reminder that they will be printed in grey scale (no colour!). It would be fair to say that as a print publication, In Contact is facing some of the same pressures that all print publications are facing in this day and age. The immediacy of web publishing and blogs and social media put pressure on the gathering and layout of material suited for printing and the longer deadlines and significantly more work required to make the articles look good and presentable in print. However, we do hear words of appreciation from folks who tell us that they like to see and read the news from the conference that is in the Observer! The fact that people often don t separate In Contact from Observer is a reminder that there is still an audience for the printed word and that it s important for us to be there for Observer subscribers in our conference. Of course, this reflection on the pressures of being a print publication are matched by the changes in governance structure and the fact that conferences will cease to exist at the end of We have planned for the final edition of In Contact to be published in November. We hope that it will be a fitting tribute to the good news, faithful ministry and inspiring mission that has been a part of Alberta and Northwest Conference all these years. Respectfully submitted by, Peter Chynoweth, Chair In Contact Editorial Board

11 Leadership Resource Development Committee Report to Conference May 2018 This accountability report is framed around the name of the Committee. Leadership The committee s mandate is to ensure that people are in place taking leadership in the standing and ad hoc committees of the Conference. It stays informed of and makes recommendations to changes to policy that affect the skills and gifts needed for membership on a particular committee. Resource In the past 12 months approximately eighteen people have responded and agreed to serve on committees, boards or to other assignments. A further six people agreed to extend their membership on a particular committee or board. All persons presently serving on Conference committees have agreed to the extension of their memberships to the end of 2018 and into 2019 as the transition to the proposed new governance model comes into being. LRDC has been unsuccessful in recruiting enough members and a chair for the Youth Ministry Committee and as a result this work is not being done by the Conference this is disappointing. The Conference Executive accepted the proposal of LRDC for the selection of nominees to be forwarded to the General Council Nominations Committee for the proposed new national structure. LRDC will present ten nominees for each of the Denominational Council and the Board of Vocations to bring to the May Conference Meeting. Five for possible appointment to each board will be voted upon by the Conference. Development LRDC is the group responsible for monitoring the guidelines for and the use of the Learning Grant program. As it is no longer being funded by the national church the final report of the program was presented by the administrator, Kathy Jackson at the LRDC meeting in September Committee - LRDC changed its terms of reference regarding membership. The Conference Executive approved a proposal that members of the Committee be representatives from the Presbyteries. Since the rise of Conference 2017 five Presbyteries have provided representation. The Committee has held one face to face meeting every fall and conference calls as needed in the last triennium. As we approach the end of the Conference governance Martha would like to thank the many people over the years who have served on the Committee. It has been a committee where members have contributed willingly and successfully enabling it to serve the Conference well. Kathy Jackson - The Committee is very grateful for the support and education provided by our Conference support person, Office Coordinator, Kathy Jackson. Kathy has knowledge of Conference and its people that is invaluable. She is always willing to provide assistance (with a smile in her voice) with any aspect of the Committee work. Respectfully submitted: Martha Dawson, Chairperson, representing Northern Lights, on behalf of LRDC members: Allan Buckingham, Foothills; Kathy Koehler, Calgary; Carol Loewen, Edmonton; Paul Douglas Walfall, Past President; and Glenda Wert, South Alberta

12 Report from the Living into Right Relations Standing Committee Greetings, in the name of the Creator, to all the communities of faith in the Alberta and Northwest Conference! On behalf of the Living Into Right Relations Committee of the Alberta and Northwest Conference (ANWC), we want to update you on the work of the committee, to encourage you in the faithful steps you are taking towards reconciliation between Canada s Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, and to invite others to become part of the network of witnesses engaged in this work across Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The committee has met regularly in person and by conference call to support the work of reconciliation and to continue planning events. We continue to be excited to add new members to this committee and continue to seek a balance between Indigenous and non-indigenous heritage in our committee membership. Update on Living into Right Relations In May 2017, approximately 70 witnesses from across the ANWC met at Kasota East Camp for a challenging and affirming weekend of learning and relationship building. We participated in a KAIROS blanket exercise, considered ways to weave the theme of reconciliation into worship, studied the Calls to Action about child welfare that were issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, learned about the principles and norms outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and what it would mean to implement them, and received several Cree, Stoney, and Metis cultural teachings. Feedback from this weekend was so positive that plans are underway for another similar Boost for the Journey at Kamp Kiwanis (just west of Calgary) on October 26-28, We are also planning another such event to be held in a more northern location in spring In September 2017, through the hard work and dedication of the Remembering the Children Society, there was an unveiling ceremony for a memorial stone erected in the Red Deer Cemetery for four children that died at the Red Deer Industrial school in Over 200 people attended. Witnesses also attended the hearing of the Public Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Edmonton in November We are encouraged and grateful at the chance we have been given to participate in the ANW Conference Meeting to be held in Sherwood Park from May 10-13, Also, we have begun to consider how we will continue to live out the work of reconciliation through a Network and Regions in anticipation of the changes to the United Church governance and financing models to take effect January Two proposals are forthcoming from this committee to this end. We now have a presence on Facebook! Our Facebook page, which is public, is named Living into Right Relations and provides regular updates and information. Please like and follow it: / As well, we have a private group for conversation, sharing stories, and building community. It is called Living Into Right Relations-Private Group-Alberta Northwest Conference and you are invited to join it, also.

13 Needed: More Witnesses Over 50 communities of faith have responded and appointed witnesses already and for that we give thanks! For those pastoral charges who have not yet appointed people, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. We encourage congregations to offer financial support, when needed, to the representatives for their travel to our LIRR gatherings and other learning and solidarity events. We would welcome Aboriginal members who are a part of your congregational life, although leading this work must not necessarily fall solely on their shoulders. These appointed facilitators and witnesses can help us to build good relations between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples, by (including, but not limited to) educating about Canada s role in the colonization of Indigenous peoples, perhaps coordinating a KAIROS Blanket Exercise, forming relationships with Aboriginal communities, reading books or viewing films that further educate us on the history and generational impacts of residential schools and systemic racism, and potentially attending gatherings and rallies that support and bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The church is also being called on to implement the norms, principles, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the understanding that we are all Treaty People. Please submit the name, mailing address, phone number, address and the name of the Pastoral Charge of any new witnesses you appoint, and any changes to such information of previously named witnesses to the ANWC Office Coordinator, Kathy Jackson ( kjackson@anwconf.com). She will respond directly to the witnesses with a letter of acknowledgement and a list of helpful references. Reconciliation is an active verb that requires us to continue to walk together in the spirit of Christ, holding conversations that matter and showing commitment when the journey is rough. Let us live out the call and commitment to reconcile and make new (A New Creed) as a community of faithful witnesses. Respectfully submitted, Alberta & Northwest Conference Living into Right Relations Standing Committee Amy Mueller (Chairperson) Bill Phipps Charles Wood Sandra Hayes-Gardiner Valerie Mintenko Tilly Meyer Cecile Fausak Don Fraser Lavera Goodeye Sharon Woodhouse Gerry Dyck Paul Andrew Russel Burns Evelyn Day Dave Elliott Resource staff: Shannon McCarthy, Charlene Burns

14 Stewardship and Mission Education Committee Report to Alberta and Northwest Conference May 2018 The Committee for Stewardship and Mission Education has been busy in the time since the last Meeting of Alberta Northwest Conference in Ellinor Townend retired from leadership of the Committee, and the Chair passed to Carolyn Woodall. Karen Gusek agreed to stay on as Secretary in order to ensure continuity of vision for the Committee s work. The Committee has representative members from the Presbyteries of the Conference, though not all Presbytery reps attend all meetings. Two years ago, in April 2016, the Committee hosted a Friday/Saturday event that gathered clergy for some intentional time, then added lay folk for a second day of mission education workshops, introduction to the Department of Philanthropy s Congregational Giving program, and sharing of Stewardship ideas among congregations. The Committee put the event together between October and April. It was a great success. We were grateful for the gracious welcome of Gaetz United Church in Red Deer, and the ministers there at that time, Liz and Jeff. We had strong support from the national staff of the Philanthropy Department with four members attending, leading workshops and David Armour providing the keynote addresses. Our Conference staff support, Kathy Jackson, was crucial to the planning process, registration and event process working smoothly. As a group we have the responsibility and privilege of working with a pool of money reserved for mission education by the Conference a number of years ago. This pool of money will be accessed again this year for another Stewardship Education event, to be held October 19 and 20, 2018, again in Red Deer, this time at Sunnybrook United Church. Our keynote speaker this time will be the Rev. Dr. Christopher Levan. National staff from the Department of Philanthropy will be in attendance. There are other workshops planned in the areas of Mission & Service and Spiritual Gifts, Technologies to Assist Congregations, and theological conversation related to making room for voices not often heard. At the 2018 meeting of Alberta Northwest Conference, we are holding a fundraiser for Mission & Service with the generous offering by the Conference office of the Stewardship library holdings. People may take home any materials they will find helpful in exchange for an offering to Mission & Service. The materials are on a table in the display area at the Conference meeting. Following the planned event in October, assuming implementation of the Remit results at General Council in July 2018, the remaining monies in the special fund will be divided between Regions 2 and 3, and designated in the new structure as they have been in this one, for stewardship and mission education projects and events. Both Regions will have members of our Committee within their bounds who will be able to provide the memory of this Committee s mandate and vision to inform new initiatives as we journey forward. Cordially, Carolyn Rev. Carolyn Woodall

15 CORONATION PRESBYTERY REPORT TO ALBERTA NORTHWEST CONFERENCE The Coronation Presbytery has been working with the theme Celebrations and Connections for the past year. We want to lift up who we have been, celebrate the work we have done to live the gospel and be proactive about making connections to move well into the new governance structure. Words that come to mind as we do our work are from the hymn Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, particularly from verse four, our women see visions, our men clear their eyes, with bold new decisions your people arise. Moving to a new way of being the United Church means thinking and acting boldly and trusting in the Spirit. To that end, we celebrate: Through the work of the Innovative Ministries Division, having Justin McNeill as an intern working in the Presbytery rather than an individual Pastoral Charge. Highlights of Justin s work with us were the Reverse Advent Calendar, teaching and guiding us to use technology in worship, creating a Minister s Hot Seat Event, doing pulpit supply, creative studies, to name some of the work he did to meet his and our learning goals. This division also created and hosted a Canoe Pilgrimage that was very meaningful for those who were able to participate. We were able to continue hiring and sharing staff at both Hardisty Lake and Bar Harbour United Church camps creating continuity for programming and ensuring we had enough staff which can be a challenge. We celebrate new buildings, cabins at Hardisty and a bathroom, laundry, extra staff quarters and office space building at Bar Harbour. We celebrate that we were able to meet as a whole at both camps this past year. The hospitality was incredible! Spirit filled and stimulating conversations around the remits really helped us identify what we value personally about our faith and church and the United Church as a whole. We are so blessed with a Mission Fund that has given us some freedom to dream and the joy of being able to share some of that fund to support Syrian Refugees coming to live in Stettler. We were able to do some work with St. Paul and Red Deer Presbyteries to prepare for the new governance structure. We appreciate the awareness and education events happening around Truth and Reconciliation, Living in Right Relations, Awkward Conversations, The Food Grains Bank, and Kathy Yamashita`s presentation on her trip to Kenya. We have been able to support Summer Programs financially and with some programming and are always excited to hear how this ministry with children and youth was received. It s growing! Much of our work s focus now is moving through the checklist provided by General Council in readiness for moving into a new way of being. To that end we are trying to ensure that all land titles are current, we are having conversations about what we need to keep, what we need to let go of, what we would like to pass on to clusters and/or regions and how we want to share our resources for the common good of all. Coronation Presbytery is one that has worked very hard, has supported and cared for many in various and sometimes difficult ways throughout the years. We celebrate the hard work, the energy, the laughter and the presence of the Spirit, the love of God and the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ that has guided us always. Respectfully submitted Mary Ann Pastuck, Chairperson

16 Alberta and Northwest Conference Report from Edmonton Presbytery At the close of 2017, Edmonton Presbytery consisted of 25 congregations in the Capital Region, which includes Edmonton, Saint Albert, and Sherwood Park. The Presbytery Office is housed at Kirk United Church, with two staff people providing administrative support to the governance work of the Presbytery. In June, Stuart Jackson succeeded Susan Waldie as chair of the Presbytery and its Council. Congregations In 2017, Edmonton Presbytery approved the amalgamation of four congregations in south Edmonton (Avonmore, Knox-Metropolitan, Pleasantview, Ritchie), to form the United on Whyte congregation, worshipping at the former Avonmore building. The title to the Ritchie property was transferred to the Korean United Church congregation, and the other two properties have been sold. Proposals for the disposition of the assets are in the works. Business Trust Relationship The United Church of Canada Alberta Land Trust was established in August 2017 to hold, purchase and acquire real or personal property for investment or other purposes. For example, under this Land Trust, property redevelopment programs can include for-profit tenants. The Property and New Church Development Council, a Society registered under the Societies Act of Alberta, is the sole Trustee of the Trust. The Council will continue to exist as a Society independent of any Presbytery, Conference, or successor United Church governing body. United Church Restructuring Recent Presbytery meetings have included fruitful conversations about the restructuring, and informed our submissions to the Boundaries Commission and the Remit Implementation Task Group. The transition to the 3-court structure will take time. But the church=s mission and ministry within the Capital Region will continue in the meantime. As stewards of that mission and ministry, Edmonton Presbytery provides support (from financial support to naming board members) to about 20 extra-congregational ministries and organizations in the Capital Region. a Mission and Ministry Working Group has been formed to start the process of reviewing those relationships, to facilitate the transition of that support to the new structure. Respectfully submitted, Stuart Jackson, Chair Edmonton Presbytery

17 Foothills Presbytery Report, 2017 Foothills Presbytery consists of 17 pastoral charges serving 20 congregations, in the area surrounding (but not including) the City of Calgary. Our presbytery includes churches of various sizes in cities, towns, villages, hamlets, and rural settings. The missional motto of Foothills Presbytery is, Moving our Ministry on out and into the community. How did we attempt to live this out in the year 2017? Much of our work in 2017 was shaped by the anticipated changes coming on December 31, 2018, when Presbyteries and Conferences will (pending final decisions at General Council 43) cease to exist as legal entities. With this on the horizon, much of our energy was spent on strengthening connections - between one another, between our congregations and, we hope, between congregations and communities in the name of Christ. A getting to know you survey was sent to all Presbyters, to increase our sense of the skills and interests that one another bring. A key initiative started in 2016 and continued in 2017, is a well-attended autumn gathering devoted to Celebrating Small Churches. This group comes together for encouragement, learning, and networking. Our hope is that this annual event will continue in future years, affirming the important role played by small churches in their communities. We are proud at the work done by refugee support groups within Presbytery, and celebrated as the weekly Tuesday community lunch held by St. Andrew s United in Cochrane was presented with awards from the Cochrane community. Significant time was spent in studying the eight Remits. In the fall, we discussed our hopes and concerns regarding the geographic boundaries of the proposed regional councils and discovered positive energy in our Presbytery about the development of clusters and networks. Our small church connections group already functions as an informal network, as does the UCW, and we sense that the emergence of clusters will bring new possibilities as we gather around common interests and passions to draw us together in new and creative ways. Ministry focused outward rather than inward needs to put significant effort into establishing and restoring right relations with our First Nations sisters and brothers. The movie Elder in the Making was viewed in installments at Presbytery meetings, and our discovery box is a resource kit that can be signed out by congregations (within our Presbytery, or beyond) looking to explore themes around Living Into Right Relations in study groups, workshops or worship. At Presbytery meetings in 2017 we hosted special guests Paul Douglas Walfall, President of Conference, and Shannon McCarthy, Executive Secretary. John Pentland led our annual educational evening in June, providing Fishing Tips for congregations seeking growth and vitality. Our own Murray Speer led us through training to orient us to the Church s revised Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy. We held two covenanting services, in Banff and Airdrie; recognized Julie Reynolds as a Licensed Lay Worship Leader; assisted with the oversight of two congregations through Commissions, and transacted the closure of the Stavely congregation; we celebrated with Okotoks United Church as it turned 100, and Airdrie United as it turned 115. A community networker summer student in Canmore helped to connect young adults in the Bow Valley to one another and to the community s resources, a project partially funded by Presbytery. Many Presbyters attended the mid-triennium event in Olds, and a UCW Enrichment day and a Retired Minister s luncheon both renewed our connectedness with one another. Many thanks to all Presbyters, members of Presbytery Executive, and local congregants, all of whom assisted in Presbytery s efforts to put its mission into action in In Christ, Greg Wooley Minute/Correspondence Secretary of Foothills Presbytery

18 Northern Lights Presbytery Report to Conference April, 2018 Reporting Period 2017 The Winter meeting of Northern Lights Presbytery(NLP) was held February 3 rd 5 th, 2017 in Beaverlodge, Alberta. We were pleased to have Shannon McCarthy join us for the weekend, to share a little about herself and her ministry and to learn about our people and our ministry. We met again in the fall on the weekend of Sept. 29 th to Oct 1 st, 2017 in Grimshaw, Alberta. This time our guest was Catherine Christie, Overseas Personnel from South Korea. Another opportunity to hear and learn about opportunities for ministry beyond our borders even. Spiritual Meaning of the Work we do. As a new member of Presbytery I have learned so much about the church beyond the congregational walls I was used to. The genuine love, care, commitment, support and passion of the people for the mission and ministry of the church on a larger scale is inspiring to witness and learn about. The governance, and programs and sharing of workload that happens let s all know that they are not alone in this ministry and that God s Love is the driving force behind what we do. There is much work done to keep congregations healthy, supported, connected to something larger and to foster that feeling of a much larger faith community and ministry beyond our local congregation. Significant accomplishments and events At the start of the year there was a significant personnel change. Martha Dawson after 25 years of being Secretary for NLP, retired from that role, but thankfully has remained a vital part of the fabric and witness and mentoring that happens in the ongoing work of the church beyond our individual congregations. Her faith, her leadership, and her faithfulness were recognized with flowers, prayers and a song and lots of little things throughout the year and a memorial book was presented this February Sharon Adams began her introduction into Presbytery life. At the end of the year we also said good bye to our treasurer, Kim Ekkel, after faithful service for 5 years, and another mentoring relationship was born when Sylvia Behrens agreed to step in. Two of our Ministry personnel took their sabbaticals to renew, recharge and refresh their spirits as their congregations continued ministry with the support of Pastoral Charge supervisors. Marilyn Carroll was again appointed to South Peace Pastoral Charge and Mary Blackburn to Clairmont Pastoral Charge. We welcomed two new Ministry Personnel, John Rhoad and Rick Marsh and also a Student Intern, Kate Jones joined our numbers. We voted on Remits 1,2,3,4 and 6. Two workshops were put on by Living the Faith for worship leaders one in September in Peace River and another in Grande Prairie for Advent. Both were well attended and received, so more will be planned in We are thankful to have Mission Support Grants to assist Fort Nelson Pastoral Charge continue to minister to their community. South Peace United have put their church building up for sale. NLP s Pastoral Relations team reviewed and revised the Sacraments Policy on behalf of Conference.

19 Current Emphases and Priorities: $1, was raised for M&S through the auctioning of donated crafts and services. Pastoral relations is supporting each congregation in looking at their story, where they see themselves in 2023, and what to keep and what to let go of so make a healthy transition from being part of a Presbytery and Conference to working together in Regions. Arranging to share in a blanket exercise with Grande Prairie Friendship Centre and Kairos team. Celebrating today, tomorrow, and having a meaningful closure as we meet for the last time in September. Respectfully Submitted, Sharon Adams, NLP Secretary

20 Red Deer Presbytery s Report to the final Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference Surely I know the plans I have for you, says our God, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope....if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me. Jeremiah 28:11-13 Originally part of correspondence that went between those living in exile in Babylon and those who remained in Judah, following the destruction of Jerusalem over 2,500 years ago, this text was part of the Leading Transformation and Change this spring. It came to mind again, thinking about some of the events unfolding locally and globally in the past weeks and thinking back over a year s worth of faithful ministry within the bounds of Red Deer Presbytery. Despite the uncertainty, Red Deer Presbytery chooses to put its trust in God and seek ways in which to share in God s mission. And therein, we are continually surprised by hope began and ended in the midst of much uncertainty. Yet there is a definite shift in attitude and hopefulness, even though much remains unsettled. Despite the many changes, we continue to seek God and answer the call to be the church! We completed our remit work early in the year and encouraged our pastoral charges to engage the work in a timely and faithful process. It is with sadness we marked the closure and decommissioning of Cremona United Church. We said good-by to ministry personnel both through retirement and change of pastoral relationships. These vacancies, combined with more part time ministries, left the remaining presbyters stretched! However we are excited by the new personnel who are now serving in our midst. We welcomed several guest presenters over the course of our six regular meetings: Conference President Kathy Yamashita (Kenya Pilgrimage); David Armour (Philanthropy Unit and UCC Foundation), Kathryn Hofley (Financial Development Officer), Ernie Robert (Alberta Cooperative Energy), Allan Buckingham (Together We Worship). We have spent significant and fruitful time over the year with Marc Nicoll and Joel Den Haan on the dynamics of change and establishing some cluster ministry within the bounds of our Presbytery. This work continues into 2018 and has included some cluster work with St. Paul and Coronation Presbyteries. In May, Red Deer Presbytery hosted the Conference Mid-Triennium event Called to Be in Olds, AB. We were also honoured to be part the Remembering the Children ceremony in Red Deer in September. In and around these challenges and celebrations, people have done the faithful work of worship leadership, pastoral oversight, pastoral relations, Christian education, stewardship, camp ministry, and hospitality with good humour. We trust that God seeks our well-being and calls us into the future with hope. To all the people who continue to make God s realm visible in and around the bounds of Red Deer Presbytery, a heartfelt thank you and prayer that you will continue to seek God in the coming years. With gratitude for your trust and inspiration, Ruth Lumax, Chairperson Red Deer Presbytery

21 South Alberta Presbytery Report to the 2018 Meeting of ANW Conference Guidelines as you write your report: What is the meaning in spiritual terms of the work you do? What were significant accomplishments, events, etc.? What are your current emphases and priorities? As a Presbytery, our spiritual work involves supporting one another through meaningful Christcentered worship, well run meetings, exercising oversight of the Pastoral Charges in our care and outreach to the youth of our area and the wider community. We were inspired by the presentations on evangelism by then President of Conference, Rev. Paul Douglas Walfall, the work of the church in other countries by Rev. Catherine Christie and Dr Kathy Yamashita, and the work of St Andrew s College by Dr Lorne Calvert, We were enlightened and challenged by reports of the work of the church through the Living Into Right Relations Committee by Gerri Dyck and the report of the Awkward Conversation conference by Rev. Jan Stevenson and Barb Colbeck. We expanded our awareness of the wider community through a presentation on L Arche by Rev Sandra Riddell. We confirmed the candidacy for ordered ministry of Lisa Waites and Marion Martin and celebrated the special anniversaries of six people who had served the church as ordered ministers for a total of 285 years. As a Presbytery, we supported the Youth event at Coaldale UC where 27 youth and their leaders were able to talk about bullying under the theme of David and Goliath. Canyon Church Camp had a very successful summer programme reaching children and youth in our congregations and communities. The Intermediate camp s theme was True North, finding directions from the North Pole and our faith. The Kenow fire that devastated so much of Waterton National Park and the CCC campsite was a tragedy for the whole Presbytery. However, the Camp Board and supporters have rallied, encouraged by the renewal of the lease for another 3 years. They are hard at work to have the camp rise again out of the ashes, an immediate evidence of resurrection grace. The Presbytery has guided and staffed Pastoral Charges through its Pastoral Relations Committee, provided counsel and support to them through its Oversight Committee, facilitated the sale of redundant properties through its Property Committee, and practiced good stewardship through its Finance Committee. The Education and Students Committee has guided and supported its candidates for ministry and its Lay Worship Leaders. Our immediate priorities include continuing this work to make a smooth transition into the new region. We plan to have a celebration of the life of this Presbytery in the fall in preparation for being part of the larger region. God is faithful and will show the way as we move forward. Respectfully submitted Rev. Helen Reid Corresponding Secretary South Alberta Presbytery

22 Alberta and Northwest Conference Report: St. Paul Presbytery 2017 has been an unusual, at times difficult, at times joyful year for us as a Presbytery. One of our Executive Secretaries, Shannon McCarthy, came to our April Presbytery meeting and helped us through a good conversation about some of the remits before the church as we engaged in the voting process. Her presence and wisdom was greatly appreciated, especially as we navigated what some of these changes will mean for our shared life. Later in our April meeting, we also moved through an exercise that helped congregations take stock of their congregational health. Healthy congregations are at the centre of our mandate as a Presbytery so better understanding the issues they re facing is essential, especially as we prepare to move into a new regional system that will require us to be as clear as possible during a time of transition. About halfway through the year our Chair, Adam Hall, had to go on medical leave for a period of time. The Presbytery agreed to cover some of the costs that would be incurred by the pastoral charge while Adam was away, and Beaver Pastoral Charge expressed deep thanks for this support. Presbyteries exist to offer exactly this kind of support during difficult times, and we were so pleased to be able to walk together in a good way through this hard time. We were overjoyed when Adam began a gradual return to work in August, and are thrilled to report that he s now back to work full-time. That said, it seemed prudent to him that he resign from the position of Chair of Presbytery. His resignation was accepted with regret and Scott Reynolds was formally installed as Chair in October. Camp Whitney decided to cancel their children s camping season during the summer. Several struggles including a lack of registrations, a lack of volunteers, and the lack of a Camp Director led to this decision. Camp Whitney did host a family camp event over the August long weekend, which was quite successful, and they re hoping to build on that experience going forward as they also circle back to their core mandate of offering camps for children. As conversations about the new structure of our church continued, we were very pleased to have a formal suggestion for the Boundaries Commission put together by Rev. Taylor Croissant, which our Presbytery forwarded to the Conference in draft form and then to the Boundaries Commission itself after refining the suggestion at our October meeting. Several of the clergy in our Presbytery gathered to meet just before Christmas, and one of the things we discussed was how we might walk together in ways that provide collegial support regionally. This is one of the aspects of Presbytery that we have appreciated most, and we know that we ll need to be more intentional about forming clusters going forward in order for that aspect of our shared life to continue. Our Presbytery is moving forward with a good and supportive spirit, and we look forward to navigating this forthcoming time of transition together.

23 YELLOWHEAD PRESBYTERY 2017 About: Yellowhead Presbytery is approximately a triangular shaped area with its corners in Jasper, Ft. McMurray and Leduc, leaving a cut-out for Edmonton, St. Albert and southern Sherwood Park, as Edmonton Presbytery. Of the 30 pastoral charges in the Presbytery, 22 had called or appointed clergy as of the end on Twelve of these were full-time. Gatherings: The full court had three, two-day meetings in 2017: - February: First United in Ft. Saskatchewan, - April: Athabasca United, and - October: Edson United. For several years, the governance structure of YHP delegates most of the regular decision making of the court to the Ministry Development Team, the Mission In Action Team and an executive Council. This frees up agenda time at meetings of the full court of Presbytery for information sharing, mission and vision discussions and learning. In February, Presbyters welcomed Dr. James Silvius to lead a discussion of Medical Assistance in dying. In April, the Mission in Action Team lead a workshop on the spirituality of oil and water, they titled Pipelines 101. In October, Ron Lameman (of Treaty Six) helped presbyters explore the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In addition to these learning times, a major focus of 2016 and 2017 was to discuss and decide on remits that came out of the 42nd General Council. Five of the eight remits were voted on in 2016; three were completed in 2017: one at each of the full court meetings. Each discussion was unique and members of the Presbytery gave full and fair attention to every issue. In the end, all eight GC42 Remits were approved by Yellowhead Presbytery. Clusters: With a number of half-time pastoral relationships in the area of the presbytery north of Edmonton, Yellowhead has encouraged cooperation and sharing of ministry personnel. There are examples in YHP where two half time pastoral

24 charges have each created pastoral relationships with the same minister - resulting in the equivalent of full time ministry. In these cases, a memorandum of agreement has been drawn up to ensure that each pastoral charge receives a fair portion of the minister s time. A different situation is evolving in the west end of the presbytery: Edson, Hinton, Grande Cache and Jasper are exploring ways to connect. Although they are each other s closest neighbours, the physical distance between creates unique challenges. Beginnings, Ending and In-Betweens: One candidate for ministry from Yellowhead was ordained in 2017 and began her vocation in paid accountable ministry within the conference (and early 2018) saw Yellowhead ease three of its ministers into retirement. Three clergy in the presbytery were able to retreat into three-month sabbaticals in The Next Steps: Yellowhead Presbytery is preparing its members and communities of faith for the expected changes to the governance structure of the United Church of Canada that might take effect at the start of 2019.

25 STUDENT BURSARY FUND SOCIETY ALBERTA AND NORTHWEST CONFERENCE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Annual Report for April 1, 2017-March 31, 2018 Then I heard the voice of God saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me! Isaiah 6: 8 The Conference Student Bursary Fund Society, which had its inaugural meeting May , offers bursaries to students in ministry training. Those first directors heard the call that students in theological studies needed financial support and found a way to do so. Helen Murray took on the roles of treasurer and secretary and guided the Student Bursary Fund with dedication. Helen resigned as both a director and the secretary/treasurer at the Annual Meeting last May 16, We deeply thank her for her ministry. This past year has been a time of transition. It has taken almost a year for the various financial institutions to recognize Pamela Milton as the new Treasurer. We appreciate her patience and persistence. Phyllis Greenslade took on a new position as Candidate Liaison and was the new person for the Presbytery Education and Students Convenors and the students to be in contact to apply for bursaries. We appreciate her dedication and care. Also, this year we initiated a one-time bursary to those ministers of other denominations transferring to the United Church. This would assist them in completing the required courses in order to be admitted into the United Church of Canada. The funds are raised from the regular generous donations each year mainly from the annual Celebration of Ministry Service and also from individuals, congregations and groups during the year. The Society is very thankful for such regular generosity. Several groups of the UCW and the Women of the United Church regularly support the Student Bursary Society. We are very thankful for exceptional gifts such as from the former pastoral charges offering funds from the sale of their church buildings. Once they have become candidates, students are very pleased to have the opportunity to apply to the Student Bursary Fund three times during their studies and then to receive funds due to the generosity of the whole church. The total cost of their studies per student is about $40,000 or more. Each bursary assists a student toward the annual tuitions, course costs, accommodation and travel for those in regional field placements and learning sites/internships and for any other unexpected costs. The number of students varies from year to year. We have steadily increased the amount of our bursaries given. From April March , $ 16,500 was given in bursaries. Order of Ministry Candidates received $1,600 each (3 were diaconal candidates and 5 were ordained candidates). No bursaries were requested by Designated Lay Ministry Students. A one-time bursary amount of $1,200 was given to 3 ministers transferring to The United Church of Canada. As Chair of Student Bursary Fund of Alberta and Northwest Conference I appreciate the wisdom of the Directors of the Board who have offered this ministry this year. The Directors for were: Carolynne Bouey Shank-Chair, Karen Spiess- Past Chair, Pamela Milton - Treasurer, Doug Settle, Sandra Child- UCW Representative, Gerry Scharff and Phyllis Greenslade-Candidate Liaison. We are thankful for the guidance of Bill Doyle Executive Secretary of Alberta and Northwest Conference as our Conference Liaison.

26 Now with the transition to the new model of Regional Councils, the Student Bursary Fund is not clear how we shall work with two Regional Councils whom we would relate as part of the Alberta Societies Act. We shall keep you posted. We are very thankful for the support of printing and mailing by Kathy Jackson and Melanie Funk of the Conference Office If being a Director of the Student Bursary Fund is a ministry to which you have a calling and interest, contact Carolynne Bouey Shank: cboueyshank@telus.net. On behalf of the students we offer a grateful Thank you for your support and encouragement of this ministry and of the call of our ministry students. Respectfully submitted, Carolynne Bouey Shank Chairperson, Student Bursary Fund Student Bursary Fund Society Financial Statement (not audited) March 31, 2017-April 1, 2018 Balance at the Alberta Treasury Branch at the end of February 28, 2018 $1, Plus March Deposits: Less Cheques One Bursary (1,600.00) Administration (183.15) No Payables 0.00 Balance at March 31, 2018 $1, ATB Community Spirit Account: $57, as at the end of February 2018 Fiera Capital Funds Market Value: $87, as at the end of December 2017 Audited Financial Statements will be available after the March Bank statements have arrived and been incorporated into these numbers. Submitted by: Pamela Milton, Treasurer Student Bursary Fund Society

27 Financial Development Officer for the Prairie Region Philanthropy Unit, General Council Office I am a member of the Philanthropy Unit, also known as the Giving and Generosity Team. We provide consulting, resources and support for individuals and congregations and other communities of faith in the areas of congregational stewardship, Mission & Service, planned and major giving, and the work of The United Church of Canada Foundation. Working with others like you, we invite people to make generous use of all the gifts God has given us our time, our talent, our money to make a difference in the world by helping to carry out God s mission of loving, forgiving, healing, evangelism, justice and peace. There are many ways to measure how we make a difference. By the smiles of guests at our outreach ministries. Or how many people our Mission & Service partner ACT Alliance helps during emergencies like earthquakes, famines and floods. Here s another. Philip Milley from the Canadian Council of Christian Charities has commented on the Phase 1 report of The Halo Project: Valuing Toronto s Faith Communities noting that the study of ten congregations in Toronto contributed a total of $45 million of economic value to the city based on a combined budget of only $10 million. In simple terms, the dollar value of having a church in a community is about 4.5 times its annual budget. The difference is called the halo effect, which is due to the church s contributions to social capital and infrastructure, its programs for individual impact and community development, and other activities which add value. Rather than being a drain on the community in terms of lost property tax revenue, or a drain on Canadian taxpayers because of the donation tax credit, churches are net economic contributors to Canada and their local communities. To read the study go to I began my 2015 report referencing Bob Dylan s song The times they are a-changin. Now, to paraphrase the Bachman-Turner Overdrive classic, we ain t seen nothin yet! No matter the changes our denomination is embarking upon, one of the things we can be sure of is that God s mission does not change. And our work must and will continue. You will find the Mission & Service report elsewhere in this Agenda Book so let me simply and sincerely say thank you for your past, current, and future gifts for Mission & Service. I end my final Conference Report with more gratitude thank you for your generous support of all the work of our Church. thank you for inviting me into your congregations and homes, and for all the faithful conversations. thank you to the many, many people with whom I have billeted. thank you to all the past and present members of the Stewardship and Mission Education Committee. thank you to Ellinor Townend, Marilyn Penfound and Irene Onuch who were the Prairie Region Conference reps on the Search Committee that hired me in This work has been life-changing. Respectfully submitted, Kathryn Hofley

28 ALBERTA NORTHWEST CONFERENCE We give thanks to you for your enormous generosity and continued support of local mission and ministry AND Mission & Service! OUR GIFTS FOR MISSION & SERVICE IN 2017 SUPPORTED: Funding to all 13 Conferences through Mission Support Grants and operating grants for 11 Conferences 63 Community Ministries across Canada 36 Chaplaincies on campus and in hospitals Theological Education at 7 Theological Colleges and 3 Education Centres 20 Canadian ecumenical networks 11 Healing Fund projects 19 Justice and Reconciliation projects 81 Vision Fund projects with youth Grants for 86 congregations 197 Embracing the Spirit Innovation Grants 87 Mission & Service global partners in 21 countries An Initial review of 2017 giving indicates: Contributions to the Mission & Service Unified Fund in 2017: 1. $ M Annual giving by congregations, UCW and individuals 2. $ M Giving through wills and planning giving 3. $.964 M Giving from donors through the United Church of Canada Foundation 4. $ M Total gifts to Mission & Service unified fund in 2017 Contributions to Mission & Service Partners And Other Mission And Ministries in 2017: 5. $ M Additional specific and emergency gifts to Mission & Service partners 6. $. 800 M Additional gifts designated to other work of the denomination 7. $ M Total Designated Gifts in 2017 Total Contributions Received in General Council Office: $ M OUR CONFERENCE MADE AN IMPACT: Mission & Service Contributions Amount For World Development and Relief 19, From UCW 67, From Special or One Time Gifts 73, From Congregational Giving 2,129, TOTAL MISSION & SERVICE GIVING 2,289,892.34

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31 ANNUAL REPORT FROM ATLANTIC SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AST has had another wonderful year of seeking truth and compassion through the deep gifts of our shared Christian heritage and through the opportunities of the world that God is shaping. Our ecumenical learning community both on campus and throughout Canada via internet-based study is continually engaged in our shared mission: Atlantic School of Theology serves Christ s mission by shaping effective and faithful ordained and lay leaders and understanding among communities of faith. We celebrate the good news and hopeful sign that our students and graduates are up to the challenge of serving God s people wherever they are, both within and beyond the church s four walls. The rich resources of the Bible, pastoral studies, ethics, theology, and Christian history continuously interact, as we discover the needs of the world and refine our responses to them. In addition to our Master of Divinity and Master of Arts programs, we have a generous range of certificate, diploma, and continuing education opportunities, both full-time and parttime, for lay folks as well as ordered ministers. I d be delighted to hear from you if you might be interested in discovering more about what we have to offer; or check out our website at (Don t forget: candidates for ordered ministry studying at AST receive a full tuition bursary, regardless of the location of their home or ministry base.) As we look ahead to the many changes sweeping through The United Church of Canada, both structural and otherwise, please be assured of our continued partnership with you, and of our prayers for the health, well-being, and faithfulness of the church. As a theological school of the United Church, our lives are closely intertwined with yours, and we value this relationship very much. Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell Academic Dean rfennell@astheology.ns.ca Spring 2018

32 Centre for Christian Studies - Imagine Church Differently The Centre for Christian Studies had a year full of changes! We launched a new logo, concluded a major review of our program, celebrated the retirement of Principal Maylanne Maybee, welcomed new Principal Michelle Owens, and launched a redesigned program! All while our students (including John Helps, Marion Martin, Mona Smart, Rachel Myers-Jordan, Tani Baskett and Tiffany McNaughton from Alberta and Northwest Conference) learned: in field placements, with learning facilitators, local support committees, mentors, and gather in learning circles. We continued to celebrate the generosity of our donors, who make education accessible to students by supporting our operating costs and contributing to bursary funds. As we transitioned staff and program design in the same year, we often found ourselves saying, "This much we know...", and working from there. Engaging in change required us to be faithful. From admission policy to tuition structure, we have been working out the details of putting new visions into practice. Committed to educating leaders for a changing world, we engaged in the work, as a learning institution, of changing ourselves. Our new program is more accessible to United Church diaconal ministry candidates, Anglican deacon postulates and clergy looking for a week of excellent continuing education. The Centre for Christian Studies remains firmly planted in diakonia, and our students and graduates continue to change the way we do church. "Planted" 125 years ago in Toronto with the establishment of the first Canadian deaconess training schools, the Centre for Christian Studies as grown and adapted, and even been transplanted to Manitoba as the landscape of ministry in Canada has evolved. With our integrated action/reflection model of education, our students serve in local field placements while they study theology through academic courses and ask hard questions in learning circles. This community oriented learning keeps builds capacity in students, congregations and outreach ministries as they learn together.

33 Report to the 85th Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference The United Church of Canada May 2018 St. Andrew s College, Saskatoon Greetings Delegates to the 85 th Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference from everyone in the community at St. Andrew s College. In this moment of change in our Church, amidst the change in our communities and world, St. Andrew s recommits to serving Church and community, and reaffirms our chosen mission of providing justice driven education for Christian leadership within an affirming community. To better achieve this mission the College in recent years has deepened the integration between academic study and ministry experience in our traditional M.Div. program leading to ordination. We are piloting our new Dual Degree program with its first cohort of students. In the months ahead the College looks forward to working with the Regions of our Church to tailoring program details to harmonize with the new Candidacy Pathway model. The D.Min. program in rural ministry and community development is now consistently welcoming new students. The presence of the Designated Lay Ministry program at St. Andrew s has enhanced the life of the College in many important and delightful ways. To better meet the needs of our international students, and to better equip them for service among us, we have developed a MTS for International Students and have expanded our international partnership agreements. And through initiatives like the work arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission s Calls to Action, the Intercultural Adventure events, and Conversations in Community the faculty of St. Andrew s are engaging with Church and community far beyond the walls of the College. For a full description of the programs at St. Andrews check out our website at St. Andrew s College is not alone in diversifying program offerings. In theological education across North America the traditional M.Div. programs are everywhere being joined by a variety of program and on-line options to better serve students, the Church and our communities. Through the generous financial support of congregations, individuals, Presbyteries, and alumni/ae we have been able to stabilize some of the plumbing and electrical challenges of our College home; make the building accessible; enhance our teaching and learning technologies; renew the Campus Community Centre; and undertake window replacement for energy savings. Many challenges still exist to ensure that our campus home will continue to generate revenues in support of our programs and serve students, faculties and the College community for decades to come. For your current and future financial support, the College is very grateful. Today, with real anticipation, the College looks forward to welcoming Richard Manley-Tannis as our new Principal. Richard begins his ministry and labour among us on July 1. His passion for the Church and theological education with his understanding of the changing Church and world of which we are a part, will lead the College well in the days to come. And as I depart, it is with many happy memories of my return to the College for these past nine years; with thanks for all the support the College has received in these years; and with a renewed conviction in the importance of the preparation of well-equipped and well-educated servant leaders for our times. Lorne Calvert, Principal

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