WINNIPEG PRESBYTERY
Winnipeg Presbytery home page
The United Church is NOT built in a corporate (pyramid) format, with power held by one at the top, and the base being wide, but powerless. Rather, influence over daily affairs and doctrines resides in the middle of the church - in the local governing structures. Hence, the fold-over model at left, suggests the relationship of population and responsiblities.
These middle authorities are the Session or Council (the congregational leaders) and Presbytery (the municipal or regional gathering of clergy and lay representatives). Currently there are 413 Presbyteries of the United Church of Canada. Winnipeg Presbytery is one of the largest - with 35 congregations and 5 community ministries (follow the links below). These bodies have countless opportunities for leadership and influencing the church and the world, making a difference through social service, ministry, justice, activism, fund-raising, education, administrative leadership, etc.
1HopeWinnipeg - Our five outreach ministries serve those living with addictions, those without a place to call home, or those shunned by others based on race, income and sexual orientation. The need for their presence continues to grow, especially in these times of economic stress.
Oak Table - This is a ministry that provides hospitality, pastoral care, support, health promotion activities, referral and advocacy within a safe, respectful environment, for members of the surrounding communities.
St. Matthew's / Maryland Community Ministry - Grounded in God’s love, St. Matthew’s-Maryland Community Ministry builds community well-being; works for justice; and nurtures hope within individuals and families in West Central Winnipeg. Foodbank.
West Broadway Community Ministry - in partnership with All Saints Anglican Church and Young United Church, provides a safe, accepting environment in which services and programs are offered to respond to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families within the West Broadway neighbourhood.
North End - Stella Community Ministry - focuses on hope and healing through Two Paths One Journey. The Two Paths One Journey integrates the traditions of smudging, drumming, praying and teaching in both Aboriginal and Christian Spirituality traditions.
CONFERENCE OF MANITOBA AND NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
MNWO Conference home page
There are 13 Conferences in the United Church of Canada. While these are roughly synonymous with the provincial scope of governance - (overseeing the work of the Presbyteries) the geographical boundaries differ. Our Conferences stretches from Saskatchewan to Marathon, in Northern Ontario. Toronto Conference covers only a portion of Ontario, in the greater Toronto area (GTA). Meanwhile, the All Native Circle Conference, which is the forum for First Nations members of the UC of Canada, is contiguous with Canada itself.
The Basis of Union saw only a minimal role for Conference (overseeing the creation and work of Presbyteries, and Ordaining/Ordering ministry personnel). MNWO Conference has 6 Presbyteries within it: Agassiz, Assiniboine, Cambrian, Northland, Selkirk and Winnipeg. However, the widespread nature of Canadian peoples through rural and remote areas, has led to a wide array of leadership services and support functions that require interested volunteers in several areas. These include support for Young Adults and Youth, Women's Ministries, Right Relations, Social Justice, and resources for the Conference. For Discipleship and Volunteer opportunities, follow this link.
There is currently a proposal from the Conference Office to move the General Council Offices to Winnipeg. Read about this here.
GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Often called the "National" level of the Church (home page), General Council is the overarching structure of lay people and ordered ministry personnel who coordinate services of interest to United Church folk throughout our land. There are eight working units that include Aboriginal Ministries Circle, Communications, Communities in Ministry, Finance, Ministry and Support, The Office of the Moderator and General Secretary, Partners in Mission, and Philanthopy. For more, check out the relevant working unit page
Activities undertaken by these working units include The Mission and Service Fund (promotion and distribution of about $33 million per year); support of aid receiving congregations, 5 University seminaries, numerous retreat and camping centers, hospitals, international relief and development work, the Audio-Visual Education Library (AVEL), The Observer (our award winning national news magazine), developing and promoting educational resources, The United Church Fund, Inter-church and Inter-faith dialogues, and much more. Some of your congregational neighbours may work on General Council Committees. Ask around. You might be surprised!
For example, Gordon Taylor is on the organizing committee of a national event exploring best practices throughout the church, coming to Toronto in June of 2012. Entitled MORE than FRANCHISES - A FRESH BREW (after former moderator Peter Short noted, "the United Church of Canada has more franchises than Tim Horton's!" - this is the third gathering of what has become an extraordinary few days of workshops, fun, fabulous music, and faith enrichment. Check out MORE than FRANCHISES for yourself!
