Shannon McCarthy, Executive Minister for  Living Skies, Northern Spirit and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils, is pleased to share she will be taking a sabbatical from December 1, 2025 to March 2, 2026.  This period of intentional time away will allow her to focus on learning, renewal, and development that will directly support the ongoing work of our Regional Councils and our movement Toward 2035.

Purpose and Focus of the Sabbatical:
The primary focus of my sabbatical will be on governance strategies that support Regional Council Executives in fully living into the Toward 2035 initiatives and their mandate as Regional Councils.  Much of our current work leans toward maintaining what has been, rather than equipping ourselves to anticipate the future and prepare for the larger challenges facing the Regional Councils and the United Church as a whole.  Regional Councils are still discerning their identity and role within the denomination’s evolving structure, and I hope this time will help strengthen our collective clarity and confidence.

This sabbatical will include time for reading, reflection, and renewal, allowing me to develop my leadership skills and focus more deeply on strategic thinking.  Building on the Change Management course I have already completed, I will work to deepen my understanding of strategic planning so that I can better support the Regional Councils in naming their mission and vision and establishing practical strategies to live them out.

In addition, this time will help me sharpen my supervisory skills so I can better support our staff team with the resources, guidance, and confidence they need to participate in the transformative work ahead as we move toward Toward 2035.

Expected Outcomes:  By the end of this sabbatical period, my goals are to:

  • Develop, with the Regional Council Chairs, a clear plan for how the Executives will function moving forward, including a method for evaluating progress each year.
  • Work with the Executives to create strategic plans for all three Regional Councils that are aligned with the GCO Strategic Plan and our Regional Council visions.

I am grateful for the support and understanding of colleagues and our staff team during this period. I look forward to returning with renewed energy, clearer strategies, and strengthened tools to support the important work ahead.

Coverage:
The Pastoral Relations Ministers will be acting Executive Minister for their respective Regional Councils while I am away. My Executive Assistant, Chantal Winslow will direct any other enquiry’s to where they need to go.
Tracy Murton – Living Skies
Judy Hare – Prairie to Pine
Adam Hall – Northern Spirit