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The United Church of Canada/L'Église Unie du Canada3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 Canada
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Website: www.united-church.ca
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Administration
Handbooks and Guidelines
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The Manual and Related Resources
The Manual, 2013
[PDF: 254 pp/1.3 MB] comes into effect August 1, 2013. It refers to the resources listed here:
- Benefits for Active Members: Summary of Coverage [PDF: 44 pp/279 KB] (Manual I.2.2)
- Conference Committees [PDF: 14 pp/300 KB] (Manual D.3.6.3, D.3.6.5)
- Congregational Board of Trustees Handbook (2004 edition with concordance) [PDF: 67 pp/246 KB] (Manual G.1.4.7, G.1.5.7, G.2.2.1, G.3, G.3.4.2)
- Congregational Designated Ministers [PDF: 18 pp/330 KB] (Manual I.1.8.3)
- Discontinued Lay Ministry Appointment List—Process for Removing a Name [PDF: 1 p/41 KB] (Manual I.3.3.2)
- Dispute Resolution [PDF: 22 pp/348 KB] (Manual J.6.3, J.11, J.11.3)
- Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for Ministry Personnel [PDF: 8 pp/110 KB] (Manual J.5, J.9)
- Financial Handbook for Congregations 2010 [PDF: 222 pp/1.9 MB] (Manual G.4.3, I.2.1.1, I.2.1.4)
- Governance Handbook [PDF: 99 pp/552 KB] (Manual E.4.8.1, E.4.8.2, E.4.9.1)
- Guidelines for Minutes and Notes of Meetings [PDF: 2 pp/40 KB] (Manual A.5.3)
- Guidelines for the Content of Presbytery Meeting Minutes [PDF: 2 pp/105 KB] (Manual A.5.3)
- Human Resources Policy Manual [PDF: 63 pp/321 KB] (Manual D.3.4.2, E.4.5.6)
- Incorporated Ministries [PDF: 38 pp/418 KB] (Manual B.8.1)
- Licensed Lay Worship Leaders [PDF: 16 pp/312 KB] (Manual I.1.8.4)
- Minimum Salary and Allowances for Ministry Personnel, 2013 [PDF: 6 pp/102 KB] (Manual I.2.1.4, I.2.2.2)
- Model Trust Deed [PDF: 5 pp/57 KB] (Manual G.3)
- Overview of Local Ministries [PDF: 1 p/92 KB] (Manual B.1)
- Pastoral Charge and Ministry Personnel Reviews [PDF: 78 pp/655 KB] (Manual J.8, J.9.3)
- Pastoral Oversight Visits [PDF: 1 p/24 KB] (Manual J.1.2)
- Police Records Checks [PDF: 8 pp/305 KB] (Manual J.2)
- Presbytery Committees [PDF: 12 pp/300 KB] (Manual C.4.5.3, C.4.5.5)
- Privacy Issues: Recordkeeping and Archives [PDF: 2 pp/117 KB] (Manual A.5.3)
- Reporting between Courts [PDF: 2 pp/26 KB] (Manual C.4.4.2, D.3.4.2)
- Sacraments Elders [PDF: 48 pp/445 KB] (Manual I.2.4.1)
- Statement on Ministry [PDF: 4 pp/52 KB] (Manual H.1.2)
- Unified Plan of Finance: Mission and Service Fund [PDF: 1 p/39 KB] (Manual E.4.5.6)
- What Do the Archives Want? A Basic Guide for Congregations [PDF: 2 pp/139 KB] (Manual A.5.3)
The following resources are in progress and will be added soon: Appeals (J.13.1, J.13.7.2, J.13.8, J.13.9, J.13.9.2); Admission to the Order of Ministry (H.8.3, I.1.3.7); Designated Lay Ministers (H.4.1, I.1.3.6, I.2.4.1, I.3.3.2); Entering Ministry (H.3.1.3, H.3.2.2, H.4.2.2, H.4.3.1, H.4.3.2, H.4.5, H.6.2, H.6.3.2, H.9.4); Formal Hearings (I.3.3.3, J.12.1, J.12.5); Interim Ministry (I.1.7.2, I.1.7.6); Ministry and Personnel Committees (B.7.8.5); Pastoral Relations: Engaging and Supporting (B.2.4, H.5.3, I.1.1.2, I.1.2.2, I.1.2.4, I.1.3.3. I.1.5.2, I.1.6.2, I.2.1.9, I.2.3); Sexual Abuse Policy [updated] (J.6.3.1, J.11, J.15.1); Supervised Ministry Education (H.4.4.1)
Administration
- Camping Standards Manual, Revised Edition 2010 [PDF: 76 pp/390 KB]
- Accreditation Site Visit Tool [PDF: 5 pp/57 KB]
- Accreditation Site Visit Tool
- Community Ministry Standards and Best Practices (2007) [PDF: 40 pp/300 KB]
- Community Ministry Standards Self-Assessment Tool [PDF: 7 pp/88 KB]
- Community Ministry Standards Self-Assessment Tool
- Copyright Guide for Congregations
- Faith Formation at Camp [PDF: 36 pp/663 KB]
- General Insurance Plan
- Privacy Information and Use of Photos
- Section 429 Guidelines for Incorporated Ministries [PDF: 40 pp/359 KB]
- Brochure [PDF: 2 pp/159 KB]
- Resource Guide: see Section 429 Resource Guide
- Brochure
- Seniors' Facilities Standards (2006) [PDF: 42 pp/360 KB]
- Seniors' Facilities Standards Self-Assessment Tool [PDF: 15 pp/141 KB]
- Seniors' Facilities Standards Self-Assessment Tool
- The United Church of Canada Emergency Plan [PDF: 28 pp/200 KB]
Archives
- Genealogical Research: United Church of Canada Records [PDF: 5 pp/61 KB]
- Research Guide: West China Medical Missions (1800–1950) [PDF: 228 pp/2 MB]
- Subject Guide: West China Medical Missions (1800–1950) [PDF: 15 pp/128 KB]
- What Do the Archives Want? A Basic Guide for Congregations [PDF: 2 pp/139 KB]
- Sample Records Schedule: Congregations [PDF: 3 pp/123 KB]
- Related form: Archives Transfer Form [PDF: 1 p/81 KB]
- Related form: Archives Transfer Form
- Minutes Inspection Checklist [PDF: 1 p/88 KB]
- Guidelines for the Content of Presbytery Meeting Minutes [PDF: 2 pp/105 KB]
- Privacy Issues: Recordkeeping and Archives [PDF: 2 pp/117 KB]
- Oral History in the Archives [PDF: 1 p/92 KB]
- Conference File Classification Plan [PDF: 47 pp/447 KB]
- Guidelines for Minutes and Notes of Meetings [PDF: 2 pp/40 KB]
- Oral History Starter Kit [PDF: 13 pp/97 KB]
Congregational Life and Committees
- Code of Ethics for Youth Ministry [PDF: 9 pp/172 KB]
- Congregation Organization Handbook 2006 [PDF: 35 pp/297 KB]
- Congregational Board of Trustees Handbook, 2004 Edition [PDF: 64 pp/259 KB]
- Dispute Resolution Policy Handbook [PDF: 29 pp/289 KB]
- Ecumenical Shared Ministries Handbook [PDF: 29 pp/294 KB]
- Joint Needs Assessment Committees, Handbook for [PDF: 34 pp/248 KB]
- A Nov. 2007 letter from General Secretary Nora Sanders discusses the process of the Joint Needs Assessment in discerning the needs of congregations.
- Joint Search Committees, Handbook for [PDF: 64 pp/265 KB]
- Ministry and Personnel (M&P) Committee Guidelines, January 2010 [PDF: 40 pp/348 KB]
- Models of Board Governance 2010 [PDF: 15 pp/147 KB]
- United Church Women Guidelines [PDF: 72 pp/1.8 MB]
- Sabbatical Policy [PDF: 4 pp/185 KB]
- Understanding the Sabbatical Policy [PDF: 4 pp/185 KB]
- Understanding the Sabbatical Policy
- Your Congregational Stewardship Committee Guide [PDF: 4 pp/125 KB]
Ministry Vocations
- CAN 210: Process for Discernment and Candidacy [PDF: 5 pp/43 KB]
- CAN 213: Procedures for the Presbytery/District Education and Students Committee [PDF: 5 pp/38 KB]
- CAN 233: Interviewing Inquirers and Candidates for the Order of Ministry [PDF: 20 pp/88 KB]
- Related forms: Candidacy Forms (200 series)
- CIB 270: Procedures for the Conference Interview Board [PDF: 2 pp/26 KB]
- Related forms: Conference Interview Board Forms (270 series)
- DIS 200: Discerning a Call (June 2010) [PDF: 28 pp/326 KB]
- Related forms: Discernment Forms (200 series)
- DLM 510: Process for Discernment, Appointment, and Recognition as a DLM [PDF: 5 pp/46 KB]
- LLWL 730: Licensed Lay Worship Leaders: Guidelines for Preparation [PDF: 18 pp/98 KB] Updated January 2011
- SME 221: Supervised Ministry Education: An Overview [PDF: 13 pp/92 KB]
- SME 222: Lay Supervision Team: A Guide [PDF: 10 pp/81 KB]
- SME 223: Process for Supervised Ministry Education [PDF: 5 pp/40 KB]
- SME 224: Financial Information for Supervised Ministry Education [PDF: 10 pp/72 KB]
- SME 226: Learning Together: A Covenanting Resource for Supervised Ministry Education [PDF: 20 pp/112 KB]
- SME 227: Procedures for the Conference Committee on Internship and Educational Supervision [PDF: 2 pp/27 KB]
- Related forms: Supervised Ministry Education Forms (200 series)
Finance
- Financial Handbook for Congregations 2010 [PDF: 222 pp/1.9 MB] Revised November 2010
This handbook includes resources and information for church leaders and treasurers on a variety of current financial and legal issues. - Financial Resources Handbook: Abbreviated Edition [PDF: 33 pp/209 KB]
This booklet summarizes the various programs that are part of Capital Assistance. See the Forms page for all Capital Assistance forms.
Health and Safety
- Faithful Footsteps: Screening Procedures for Positions of Trust and Authority in the United Church of Canada [PDF: 23 pp/363 KB]
- Sample consent for criminal records search [PDF: 1 p/6 KB]
- Sample letter to police departments [PDF: 1 p/8 KB]
- Sample confidentiality pledge [PDF: 1 p/6 KB]
- Sample consent for criminal records search
- Police Records Check Handbook (July 2010) [PDF: 20 pp/228 KB]
- Interpretation Bulletin PRC 2011-08: Police Records Checks [PDF: 1 p/57 KB]
- Interpretation Bulletin PRC 2011-08: Police Records Checks
- Screening in Faith
- Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (April 2011) [PDF: 40 pp/263 KB]
- A Tender Trust: Helping Churches to Provide Safe Service
- Trustworthy Care: Helping Organizations to Provide Safe Service
- The United Church of Canada Emergency Plan [PDF: 28 pp/200 KB]
Ministry Personnel: Standards of Conduct
- Code of Ethics for Youth Ministry [PDF: 9 pp/172 KB]
- Dispute Resolution Policy Handbook [PDF: 29 pp/289 KB]
- Ending Racial Harassment [PDF: 24 pp/267 KB]
- Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for Ministry Personnel [PDF: 8 pp/110 KB]
- Guidelines for Counselling by Ministry Personnel [PDF: 4 pp/172 KB]
- Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (April 2011) [PDF: 40 pp/358 KB]
Pastoral Relations: Call and Appointment
- Admission to the Order of Ministry: Handbook of Procedures for Ministers of Recognized Christian Denominations Called to Serve in The United Church of Canada [PDF: 18 pp/231 KB] Updated July 2012
- Related forms: Admission Forms (300 Series)
- Congregational Designated Ministers Policy and Procedures (September 2010) [PDF: 20 pp/219 KB]
- Designated Lay Ministers Policy and Procedures (September 2010) [PDF: 18 pp/261 KB]
- Faithful Footsteps: Screening Procedures for Positions of Trust and Authority in the United Church of Canada [PDF: 23 pp/363 KB]
- Sample consent for criminal records search [PDF: 1 p/6 KB]
- Sample letter to police departments [PDF: 1 p/8 KB]
- Sample confidentiality pledge [PDF: 1 p/6 KB]
- Sample consent for criminal records search
- Guidelines for Committees Requiring a Police Records Check [PDF: 20 pp/119 KB]
- Guidelines for Developing Ministry Personnel Position Descriptions [PDF: 7 pp/78 KB]
- Interim Ministry Policies and Procedures Handbook (April 2012) [PDF: 28 pp/361 KB]
- Should I Consider Interim Ministry? [PDF: 2 pp/171 KB]
- Should I Consider Interim Ministry?
- Joint Needs Assessment Committees, Handbook for [PDF: 34 pp/248 KB]
- A Nov. 2007 letter from General Secretary Nora Sanders discusses the process of the Joint Needs Assessment in discerning the needs of congregations.
- Joint Search Committees, Handbook for [PDF: 36 pp/265 KB]
- Ministry and Personnel (M&P) Committee Guidelines, January 2010 [PDF: 40 pp/348 KB]
- Transition Teams: Guidelines for: Roles and Responsibilities during Interim Ministry (February 2010) [PDF: 62 pp/544 KB]
Property and Buildings
- Accessibility Guidelines [PDF: 2 pp/39 KB]
- Godspace: Guidelines for Architecture in The United Church of Canada, 2nd Edition
- Greening the Church: Reducing Your Church Buildings' Ecological Footprint
- Steps for Building [PDF: 2 pp/59 KB]
- A Tender Trust: Helping Churches to Provide Safe Service
- Trustworthy Care: Helping Organizations to Provide Safe Service
Social Justice and Global Partnership
- And You Also Welcomed Me: A Congregational Handbook for Refugee Sponsorship [PDF: 72 pp/412 KB]
- Ending Racial Harassment [PDF: 24 pp/267 KB]
- Policy Handbook for Overseas Personnel [PDF: 99 pp/546 KB]
- Sanctuary for Refugees? A Guide for Congregations [PDF: 30 pp/188 KB]
- Sharing Mission: A Handbook for Receiving Global Partner Personnel in Mission
Staff and Volunteers
- Dispute Resolution Policy Handbook [PDF: 29 pp/289 KB]
- Ending Racial Harassment [PDF: 24 pp/267 KB]
- Faithful Footsteps: Screening Procedures for Positions of Trust and Authority in The United Church of Canada [PDF: 23 pp/363 KB]
- Sample consent for criminal records search [PDF: 1 p/6 KB]
- Sample letter to police departments [PDF: 1 p/8 KB]
- Sample confidentiality pledge [PDF: 1 p/6 KB]
- Sample consent for criminal records search
- Human Resources Policies and Procedures [PDF: 63 pp/321 KB] Updated February 2013
- Lay Employees, Employment Guidelines for [PDF: 22 pp/224 KB] (March 2010)
- Screening in Faith
- Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures (April 2011) [PDF: 40 pp/358 KB]
- Last updated:
- 2013/05/15
- Created:
- 2003/01/16
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© 2013 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca. Any copy must include this notice.