Renewal and Development

There are over 4,000 ministries within the United Church where people respond individually, collectively, and in partnership with others, to the Spirit's call to participate in God's healing mission.

These ministries include congregations, social justice community ministries, seniors' residences, camps, chaplains, campus ministries, theological schools, education centres, Conferences, presbyteries and districts, and the General Council office.

Below, you will find articles written by people involved in any one of these ministries. Read about the programs, resources, and best practices that highlight the varied ways which they connect with and support other United Church ministries.

• Read about models of networking and integration among all United Church ministries
• Broaden your awareness that the ministry of the church happens in many places
• Strengthen your relationship with other United Church ministries
• Submit something about your ministry and how you network with other United Church ministries

For more information, please contact Jordan Sullivan.

Articles

The Anne Duncan Gray Visiting Scholar Program: Connecting Global Partnerships and Theological Education [PDF: 1 p/28 KB]

This program supports an annual visiting Christian scholar from the two-thirds world.

Breaking the Silence [PDF: 3 pp./40 KB]

The Breaking the Silence Network, which connects people in Maritime Canada in solidarity with people in Guatemala, has strong roots and connections with The United Church of Canada.

Building Community in Davenport West [PDF: 2 pp/25 KB]

The sense of community spirit is alive and well in the Davenport West neighbourhood of Toronto.

The Call to God's Mission [PDF: 2 pp/26 KB]

"Beyond Survival to God's Mission" drew together 65 leaders to conversations aimed at cultivating a shared approach to foster healthy congregations and ministries participating fully in God's mission.

Camps Connecting [PDF: 4 pp/35 KB]

Two United Church camps—West Haven and Camp Hurlburt—have strong community support.

The Dreamers Peace Garden [PDF: 2 pp/26 KB]

The Toronto Christian Resource Centre has worked with the Dreamers to create a sacred garden in the heart of Regent Park, to act as a memorial for all lives lost through violence and accidents.

Hospitality: Discovering Our Destiny's Mystery [PDF: 4 pp/32 KB]

Learn how United Church congregations and individual members support the work of the Montreal City Mission.

Learning, Sharing, and Growing: A Kairos Moment [PDF: 2 pp/28 KB]

Sifiso Mpofu, 2009 Anne Duncan Gray Scholar, reflects on his experience as a visiting scholar in Canada.

On Being Christian [PDF: 3 pp/26 KB]

Michelle Hogan describes her journey from man to woman, correcting a misdiagnosis at birth and how her church family helped her along that path

People We Hold in Our Hearts [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]

For Barry Reider, working with people in a culturally diverse, low-income community of Toronto called Jane and Finch is a privilege amid all the bad news.

Rebirth at First United [PDF: 2 pp/26 KB]

Sandra Severs writes about healing and hope in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside community of First United.

University Chaplaincy for Today's Students: What Does It Mean? [PDF: 5 pp/39 KB]

An article by Carleton University chaplain Tom Sherwood reprinted from Academic Matters, December 2007.

Wesley Urban Ministries [PDF: 2 pp./43 KB] NEW

Whether it is the Contact Network, a Sunday Dinner Program, a walk-a-thon, or a Christmas program, members across Hamilton unite to share in their in their mission of supporting those that need help.