Living Skies Regional Council

Sundays in June: Foundations of the Indigenous United Church
2020-06-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2020-06-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2020-06-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2020-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Regina) | Zoom
Every Sunday in June at 2:00 PM in AB and SK: come explore the foundations of the Indigenous Church in the United Church of Canada. These sessions are open to everyone to come and learn. For additional information or to register, please contact: right.relations@hillhurstunited.com
Sessions:
June 7 – Foundations: Indigenous Women’s Spirituality with Rev. Bernice Saulteaux
June 14 – Formation: Indigeneity in Christian Formation with the Very Reverend Stan McKay
June 21 – Indigenous People’s Day/Mission: The Indigenous Church, Mission and Call with Rev. John Snow Jr.
June 28 – Vision: The Caretakers Report and the Future Indigenous Church with Adrian Jacobs, Keeper of the Circle, Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre.
Many thanks to these elders and knowledge keepers, and to the Right Relations Circle at Hillhurst United Church in Calgary, for offering us the space to learn together.

Questions and answers for re-opening your churches in Living Skies RC
2020-06-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
To assist in your discernment and respond to any questions, additional Zoom gatherings will be offered on Wednesday, June 3 and June 10,@ 6:30 pm. Here is the connection information: Meeting link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/97292579140
(Do not post this link on social media or your congregational website, please. Share it by email.)

Toll-free 1-855-703-8985
Meeting ID: 972 9257 9140

Please encourage someone from your community of faith to join staff as we discern together, especially if you were unable to join us last week.
Please note that if you join the call, we will be asking you to make sure your Zoom name is correct and to re-name yourself while on the call if not. We will walk you through this, or if you prefer to learn ahead of time, here’s a link. Using your correct name helps us know who is actually on the call, and which communities of faith are and are not present.

Questions and Answers for Re-opening your Churches in Living Skies RC
2020-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
To assist in your discernment and respond to any questions, our last Q&A Zoom gathering before the summer break will be offered on Wednesday, June 17,@ 6:30 pm. Here is the connection information: Meeting link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/97292579140
(Do not post this link on social media or your congregational website, please. Share it by email.)

Toll-free 1-855-703-8985
Meeting ID: 972 9257 9140

Please encourage someone from your community of faith to join staff as we discern together, especially if you were unable to join us last week.
Please note that if you join the call, we will be asking you to make sure your Zoom name is correct and to re-name yourself while on the call if not. We will walk you through this, or if you prefer to learn ahead of time, here’s a link. Using your correct name helps us know who is actually on the call, and which communities of faith are and are not present.

Western Intercultural Network chai and coffee check in
2020-06-23 12:30 - 14:00 | Zoom
Western Intercultural chai and coffee check in, June 23
Join the Western Intercultural Network with your tea, chai, coffee (or water!) in hand. We’ll talk about how we’re all doing, and discuss the racism COVID is bringing to light as well as strategies for confronting it. We’ll also share updates on our fall gathering, now moving online for September and October. (Image credit: from The Song of Faith, United Church of Canada.)
Time: Jun 23, 2020 11:30 AM Pacific; 12:30 PM in AB, NWT, and SK; 1:30PM in MB and NW Ontario
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/97973729801
Meeting ID: 979 7372 9801
Dial by your location:
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. *
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free

Breaking the Gender Binary, One Word at a Time
2020-06-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Conversations about gender diversity and the power of language, 6:00PM in AB and SK, 7:00PM in MB and NW ON.
What is gender inclusive language and how does it have the power to embrace or exclude non-binary, Two Spirit, trans, agender, and gender queer people? Join us for a practical discussion about evolving language and personal perspectives on its importance. All welcome.
The Zoom link is here. Need to phone in? 1-855 703 8985 (Canada Toll-free) and enter meeting ID
940 3191 7505
Password: [REDACTED]
This gathering is especially recommended for Regional Council delegates who will be voting on Remit 1 this fall. In the fall of 2020, delegates to the regional annual meeting will be voting on a remit to make a small but important change to the Basis of Union. Current wording about eligibility for ministry uses “men and women”, and the wording would be changed to “all people”, to reflect a diversity of gender identities. (Further background is here.)

Calling all Grade 7 - 12 Regina and Area Youth!
2020-06-28 18:30 - 19:15
What: You are invited to join a Regina and area youth group
Who: Youth entering Grade 7-12
When: Sundays from 6:30-7:15, beginning Sunday, June 28th. Right now we will meet virtually!
How do you get involved: Email ReginaUCYouthGroup@gmail.com and let us know your name and email and we will send you a Zoom link.
Hope to see you there!

YAYA Leadership Development Focus Groups
2020-07-30 12:00 - 13:00, 2020-08-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2020-08-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2020-08-20 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to Zoom again!
July 30, Aug 6, Aug 13, Aug 20 (Noon – 1 pm SK Time).
Please share with youth & young adults in your congregations.

Jessica Stevenson from General Council is gathering a broad focus group of youth & young adults (age 15-30ish) to talk about barriers that may block YAYA involvement in the leadership of the church (locally, regionally, or nationally) and what concrete steps could be taken to reduce the barriers. There are generally three themes for the discussions:

Communication

Leadership and Training

Space for more ideas to emerge….

Zoom on in:
Meeting ID: 923 9953 1794

Or contact Jessica at

jstevenson@united-church.ca

New Hymns for New Times
2020-08-07 11:00 - 2020-08-28 12:00 | Zoom
As a participant in “New Hymns for New Times” you will become a part of an online congregation as we sing, play, listen and share our way through these unique and unfamiliar times. A new hymn prepared by Janicka Grayston will be sent to you before each gathering so you may familiarize yourself with it if you wish. When we gather, we will sing it together, and take a moment for compassionate listening and sharing about the ways worship and hope are showing up for one another. Next weeks song will be inspired by what people have shared.

Rendez-Vous 2020 Re-Imagined!
2020-08-11 - 2020-08-14 | Zoom
Rendez-Vous 2020 will be going ahead 11-14 August 2020 – just in a different way.
2020 is turning out to be a year of the unexpected and that means Rendez-vous 2020 will be a Rendez-vous unlike any other. Due to the ongoing health crisis, we won’t be able to hold a large gathering in Calgary this summer. It’s up to us to dream together what it means to be a community of faith, even if we can’t all be in the same (physical) space.
Online registration is now open! Registration is free of charge, but helps us keep track of participants and provide secure access to online activities and resources.
Through real-time online events, recordings, and DIY workshop kits, we will celebrate bold faith, brave space and brazen grace. Here’s what you can expect:

Inspiring speakers, powerful worship and singing your favorite songs
Fun, engaging and interactive workshops and activities
New friends from across the country and around the world
Awesome t-shirts (yep, it will be a Rendez-vous to remember!)

Zimbabwe Online Conference
2020-09-03 06:00 - 10:00
Church in Partnership Zimbabwe Conference presents ‘Mending the World’.
Create space to reflect on common anger, lament, action and celebration
Recognize and amplify local partners voices for growth in advocacy
Discern possibilities
Build strong partnership understanding of the Zimbabwe context
As we from the UCC Global Partnership Program, focus on Peace building: Partner Accompaniment in areas of conflict and tension  with specific advocacy and action with partners in Zimbabwe
Speakers: Maria Tendai Dendere, Director Humanitarian and Development Services ZCC, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Mtata, General Secretary ZCC, Rev. Dr. Levee Kadenge, Director ITRT, Rev. Marco Cable, Africa Executive Global Ministries, and Rev. Ephraim Ngadziore, President UCCZ. Host and moderator: Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu; Co-host: Josefina Forcadilla; Technical support: Joshua Fernandes
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/7425682258?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 742 568 2258 Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+16473744685,,7425682258# Canada ; +16475580588,,7425682258# Canada
Dial by your location
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. *
+1 647 374 4685 Canada or +1 647 558 0588 Canada or
+1 778 907 2071 Canada or +1 438 809 7799 Canada or
+1 587 328 1099 Canada or 855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free
Meeting ID: 742 568 2258
Find your local number: https://united-church.zoom.us/u/aez59TkmFb
Join by Skype for Business
https://united-church.zoom.us/skype/7425682258

Ministry Personnel gathering
2020-09-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-09-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-09-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2020-09-29 13:00 - 14:00
The fall has arrived and with it the need for support. Join your colleagues in ministry on Tuesdays, at 1:00pm for this optional conversation. Join weekly, bi-weekly, or whenever the Spirit moves you for an hour of connection and learning. Zoom Meeting: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/94637623120
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church.
* 1-647-374-4685; Toll-free 1- 855-703-8985; Meeting ID: 946 3762 3120

Community of Faith conversation
2020-09-09 18:30 - 19:30
As questions about buildings and finances continue to emerge, Regional Council Staff want to invite you to a Zoom Q&A, Wednesday, September 9, 6:30pm. https://united-church.zoom.us/j/93569054266 * Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. * 1-647-374-4685; Toll-free 1- 855-703-8985; Meeting ID: 935 6905 4266. If you have specific questions, please feel free to send them ahead of time so that we might prepare the answer! tmurton@united-church.ca

Church School Resources & Roundtable Discussion
2020-09-16 13:30 - 14:30, 2020-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
“Well, it’s COVID and we have no idea what to do with Church School”
Sound familiar?
We’re all in the same boat, trying to figure out the best ways to care for and minister with our children. As always, there’s a reason why God calls us to community, so let’s get together in a virtual room and share some resources, ideas, concerns, and prayerful inspiration!
There are two Zoom times scheduled on Wed, Sept 16 to hopefully accommodate people’s schedules. You’re welcome to join one or both sessions:
Church School Resources & Roundtable #1
Wed, Sep 16, 2020 01:30 PM Saskatchewan
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/99685456788
Church School Resources & Roundtable #2
Wed, Sep 16, 2020 07:00 PM Saskatchewan
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/93522230841
In the meantime and in-between-time, don’t hesitate to throw any questions, suggestions, or insights to Kent at livingskiesyaya@united.church.ca or 306-221-5529

An Afternoon at Lumsden Beach Camp
2020-09-20 13:30 - 16:00 | Lumsden Beach Camp, Lumsden Beach Camp, Saskatchewan, Canada
Spend a few hours at Lumsden Beach Camp exploring the land and hearing about the summer from LBC staff and board members. There will be a short gathering
and worship at 2pm (please bring a mask). Visitors are welcome to come and go as they please. The 260 acre site is yours to explore!

If the weather is poor, please check back at the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/946401049176374/ for rescheduling information. Aside from washrooms, buildings will not be open.

New Wine: Western Intercultural Ministry Network Gathering
2020-09-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
New Wine: Western Intercultural Ministry Network Gathering, online this fall with Eric Law and Tony Snow

Join us for a cross-Canada gathering of people living out the United Church’s intercultural vision. We are delighted that Rev. Dr. Eric Law and Tony Snow will be our lead resource people.
When: Fridays on September 25, October 2, and October 9, 2020.
Cost: FREE. (Thank you for your support through Mission and Service!) These will be three-hour sessions, with presentations, reflection, song, and small group discussion. Tools for engaging with your ministry between sessions will be offered, and so will afternoon/ evening informal conversation groups.
Full information: https://bit.ly/2CqFRjt
Sessions are free but registration is still required; please click here.
Click here for our Facebook event.
If you would like more information, please contact the Western Intercultural Ministry Network Executive through staff support Julie Graham, jgraham@united-church.ca

Service of Celebration for Admittand
2020-09-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Tisdale: St. Paul’s United Church, 905 101 Ave., Tisdale, Saskatchewan, S0E 1T0, Canada
With joy and gratitude, Living Skies Regional Council invites you to join in celebrating the Service of Admission and Covenanting for Rev. Hoeun Lee and the congregation of St Paul’s United Church, Tisdale
Because of COVID, physical presence at these services is limited. But God’s presence is not. We also hope that your virtual presence will be possible. Details about live streaming are being worked out; please watch the Regional Rambler newsletter and the Regional website calendar for further information.

Service of Celebration for Admittand
2020-09-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Grenfell United Church, 513 Anderson St., Grenfell, Saskatchewan, S0G 2B0, Canada
With joy and gratitude, Living Skies Regional Council invites you to join in celebrating the Service of admission for Rev. Hyun Heo at Grenfell United Church at 7:00PM;
Because of COVID, physical presence at these services is limited. But God’s presence is not. We also hope that your virtual presence will be possible. Details about live streaming are being worked out; please watch the Regional Rambler newsletter and the Regional website calendar for further information.

Service of Celebration for Ordinands
2020-09-27 15:00 - 16:30 | Regina: Wesley United Church, 3913 Hillsdale St., Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 3Y6, Canada
With joy and gratitude, Living Skies Regional Council invites you to join in celebrating the
Service of ordination for Deb Anderson-Pratt, in partnership with the Indigenous church; and
Service of ordination for Bruce Kakakaway, in partnership with the Indigenous church
at Regina: Wesley United Church at 3:00PM
Because of COVID, physical presence at these services is limited. But God’s presence is not. We also hope that your virtual presence will be possible. Details about live streaming are being worked out; please watch the Regional Rambler newsletter and the Regional website calendar for further information.

Online retreat: Spirals of Call
2020-09-28 13:00 - 17:00, 2020-09-29 13:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
In this online retreat, we will explore the Spiral of Call that visits us again and again over the course of our lives, and reflect creatively on the components of identity, purpose in life, and unique gifts, as well as the patterns of change that accompany the Spiral of Call. Each day will begin at 1 pm with an introduction to the material via zoom, followed by a couple of hours for you to go off to reflect and create. The last 30-45 minutes will be spent back on zoom for a time of sharing that will wrap up by 5 pm.
