Men's Ministries Network

History

The Men’s Ministries Networkwas established in 2004 out of concerns raised from different areas of the United Church about men’s ministry.

The need was recognized in order to help men and the groups they are in to connect with each other and celebrate, support, and strengthen the many forms of ministry in which they are involved.

Men’s Ministries Network: The Manual

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Who Belongs

The Men’s Ministries Networkincludes all men’s groups, e.g., UCM groups, fellowship groups, spirituality groups, service groups and As One That Serves(AOTS) clubs.

AOTS* (As One That Serves) is a formal, structured organization in theMen’s Ministries Network. It is a church-related movement of men initiated in 1923 that is dedicated to promoting Christian fellowship, deepening the spiritual life of men, and developing effective programs of Christian service.

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Events

• Banff Men’s Conference*: Held annually in October.
• Breaking the Ice Men’s Retreat*: Held annually in Manitou Conference.
• Maritime Conference Men*: Held biannually in the Maritimes in May. The next gathering is in 2010. Maritime Conference Men’s President: Bob Bartlett.

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Creating the Network: What Can Men Do?

• Celebrate, support, and encourage the different forms of ministry that men carry out in the church.
• Start new groups based on men’s personal interests and needs—for example, breakfast groups, study groups, prayer groups, and faith journey groups.
• Develop networking opportunities through events, workshops, and worship, and encourage submissions to congregational and presbytery newsletters, the AOTS’s The Handshake* and The United Church Observer*.
• See Starting a Men’s Ministry in Your Congregation for more ideas.