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| | | The United Church Rural Ministry Network is for all rural and small town folks - lay and ministry.
Please sign up at UCRMN.ca |
| Items of Interest in this ENews: May Zoom Workshop - Hands On; How to save your Computer June Zoom - LLWL Check In Part 4 Tech Corner - “Low Tech Update” IRCA 24 Hour Global Prayer Zoom - Link for Resources Country Preacher’s Notes - “Revitalizing the Church - Give Love Away” Rural Routes Through the Holy Reflection - “Inside or Outside the Box” Resources for “Celebrating 100 Years” Event - “Courage Persists” Rural Ministry Town Halls Theological Banquet Lunch & Learn
ChurchX - Free Workshops Regional Meetings and UCRMN
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Past eNewsletters are archived at www.UCRMN.ca
If you have a rural story you would like to share, please submit your story to editor@UCRMN.ca. We welcome articles 300 to 500 words. |
| | “Zoom” Workshop in May 2025
Date: Thursday May 15, 2025 - 1 pm (EST)
Theme: “Hands On - How to Save Your Computer”
This will be a no cost workshop by Zoom!
————————————————————————————————— This workshop is lead by Martin and Peter - who understand most thing “Tech”, but especially saving the rural church money - in legal ways.
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“Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Check in”
In March, we held “Check in” number 3. Again, we asked, “Do you want another session?”. The overwhelming response is “Yes”. Many suggested that their Region is connecting with their LLWLs, but it is valuable to meet and share with other LLWL’s across Canada.
For those who were registered for any of the previous workshops - you will be sent the information for Part 4.——————————————————————-
“LLWL” “Zoom” Workshop - Part 4Thursday June 19, 2025 - 1 pm (ET)
Subject: “LLWL Check in - Part 4”
Please pass along this opportunity to your fellow LLWL’s. Bring your questions and concerns.
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| | |  | Martin Dawson (PEI) and Peter Chynoweh (AB) are retired United Church Ministers who “love” working with “Open Source Software” and used computers. They help the UCRMN Executive stay online.
The Biggest expense for most churches is updating their computers, and just as expensive, Software. In this column, Martin and Peter will give you stories, suggestions and links including YouTube, that show you how to DIY, at a fraction of the cost. All this information is stored at UCRMN.ca on the Tech Resource Page. |
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“Low Tech Update” It has been a number of months now since I contributed an “analogue article” that stresses the need for us to not discount the technology of the past. Moreover, in the past few months, I have pointed out that I generally feel that the present state of modern digital technology is teetering in the balance of being more harmful than beneficial when it comes to personal privacy and lack of unbiased control. Thus, it should come as no surprise that I am a proponent of analogue solutions like shortwave radio and handwritten solutions to communication…
(Click below for the rest of the story) Martin Dawson, retired minister living in Cornwall PEI
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| | |  |  | Click on above banners to take you to resources pages of the 24 hour Prayer Zoom! |
| Global Prayer Zoom 2025
… is 24 Hours of Global Prayer time through the Americas, the Pacific and Asia, Europe and Africa. Click on either of the above banners to enjoy the richness of the visions and work we heard and saw on those Prayer Zoom days. If you had the pleasure to be online during the live event, you will remember the stories and the life of communities of faith around the world, music, prayer and teachings. We heard stories sometimes of suffering and fear, and others of growth of communities and the joy of the spiritual life of prayer and witness God calls us to.
Check out the resources - most are videos with the actual folks sharing their stories of what’s happening in Rural Communities around the world. |
| Other IRCA News:The IRCA 2026, quadrennial conference is coming in Sibiu, Romania on July 20 to 26, 2026. The theme is “Roots, Faith and Identity; People and Community Living on the Land.” You are welcome to investigate flights and requirements for travel to Romania.
May 26 to 30, 2025 IRCA Oceania is meeting in Nadi Fiji, hosted by the Namoli Methodist Church.
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Revitalizing the Church: Give Love Away
Words from Joyce Sasse's Gleanings from a Prairie Pastor, (pub. 2021) as she reflects on Rural networks. UCRMN has arisen from the networks here described, as well as the Alex Sim Symposium (1996 to 2016 in Ontario). (This EBook can be downloaded at the CIRCLe M website www.circle-m.ca)
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(Thoughts from Joyce Lent/Easter 2018. Found in Gleanings From a Prairie Pastor) As a study theme for Lent 2018 and 2019, where joyce shares her thoughts around the wise words shared by Joan Chittister. “Love is something if you give it away”, we sing. “It’s just like a magic penny. Lend it, spend it and you’ll have so many they will roll all over the floor.” The life and work of the Church is likened to that magic-penny-imagery. Revitalizing any of our Christian communities is possible only when we “give love away”. For the next few weeks I shall try to share my understanding of a presentation made by Joan Chittister. She is a Benedictine abbess, writer and thinker who offers prophetic insights about the church and spirituality. I treasure her wisdom. She addressed the worldwide congress of Benedictine followers last fall. Her theme “Let the Call be Heard!” I’ll try to translate her thoughts in terms of the people and church-folk I know in this place and these times. What we have been entrusted with are “gifts given to us by the Spirit in order to maintain the spirit of Jesus in the church today”. But the understandings we receive cannot be hoarded for ourselves (either as individuals or in community). “They exist only when they are shared and given away.” Our responsibility as faith-filled communities is to look for fresh and vibrant ways to live out our undertakings. Chittister describes the partnerships that must exist for the church to remain vital. She names three partners: • The theologians and designated leaders of our faith communities; • Those people from the everyday world who bring with them the realities of that world; • The spirit of Jesus, which fuels us … For comparison between what has been and what might become in the church, see 15th c. de Vinci’s painting of the last supper. It depicts an “all-male, apostolic, privatized version of Jesus and his disciples”. On the other hand, the 20th c. Polish artist Leszek Piasecki’s painting of the Passover meal (unveiled in 1998) shows “men, women and children all sharing the same meal, all called to the same cup. And all are participants in the theological development of the early Christian Community.” |
| |  | Rural Routes Through the Holy: 2025 The Rural Routes Through the Holy team is pretty excited about all we’ve planned for our 2025 gathering. This year we’ll meet from June 12 – 14th, in Sackville NB. You can read all about it at https://ruralroutesthroughtheholy.ca Whether or not you plan to attend, please sign up to receive news of resources and reflections on rural faith life and the changing shape of faith community. We’re also excited that this year we’re offering a post-event package for those who can’t attend our in person gathering. We already have a few of you signed up for this and we’re so happy about that. The package will include video recordings of the theme presentations and the briefer 30 minutes taster presentations, along with a reading list, questions and suggestions for how you might use the package in a group. The package is $50 and can be purchased by filling out the registration form at the above address, under Events. Just a reminder that for the in-person gathering Early Bird Registration (with the discount) ends April 18th. Regular registration continues until May 29th. Rev. Dr. Catherine Smith (RRTH) |
| Atlantic School of Theology Credit Course: Pilgrimage and Retreat Leadership If you would like to participate in Rural Routes and receive a university-level course credit, you can do so by registering for a course at Atlantic School of Theology, entitled, "Pilgrimage and Retreat Leadership." For more information, contact Prof. Rob Fennell at rob.fennell@astheology.ns.ca.
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“Inside or Out of the Box?” The term, ‘out of the box’ came up in a group discussion where I picked up the challenge to look closely at the term. To explore ideas that are creative and unusual and that are not limited or controlled by rules or tradition (Merriam-Webster) Is it possible some people might consider themselves ‘inside the box’ and prefer the familiar including pleasant surprises in the expected? Perhaps in a group of five experiencing the same setting, two might think the content was out of reach of their experience or understanding while two consumed it and looked for more. The remaining person accepted both positions. I’ve been a part of the Lenten study, ‘Something Sacred’ that explores the connection between Faith and Music. The way the author, Alydia Smith, opens the sections with ‘Prepare’ challenges me to sort through my memory to consider life experiences. This leads me to reflect on my story's core message in response to scripture and song. I’m reminded of Sunday school classes and picnics, events at Five Oaks, discussions with U.C.W groups and seniors in my local town. They remember, apply invitations to their lives and probably prepare stories to tell their grandchildren. Could an experience begin inside the box and lead us to the outside. It’s such a natural transition; we risk missing it. Writing a book inviting others to discuss, consider and examine can be risky. Reviews and responses that people give to authors depends on what they’re looking for, traditional or otherwise. This reply was deeply honest, “I wish we’d had this book twenty years ago.” Although it was circulating among small rural churches during that time, doing its job, there was more. It gave them a voice and encouraged them to speak out, write down their laments and share their celebrations, gather in groups and interact with the questions offered at the end of each chapter. Feedback, comments and definitions were constructive. It invites us to begin early to talk, discuss, and pray together as a church community, long before it’s necessary. Often these experiences began ‘in the box’ and ended up ‘outside the box’ or vice versa. In comparison, I’ve read some of my mother’s work written in the 1920s and realise similar essays found in today’s literature could be discussed and enjoyed in this era. One last thought written by L.M. Montgomery (Volume 1: 1889-1910) was written on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1892. “I went to church this morning like a dutiful Presbyterian and spent the afternoon and evening reading Emerson’s essays.” Ralph Waldo Emerson usually gave his reader options to consider in his era. Jesus’ ministry in those early days could be seen by many as ‘outside the box.’ Yet, it reflects ‘inside the box’ age-old faith practices, such as silence, prayer, fellowship, breaking bread together, discipleship . . . and you can add more. Rev. Donna Mann (Retired, living in Elora Ontario) |
| |  | Click on the above Banner to see The United Church of Canada’s Webpage on everything for the 100th Anniversary. |
| |  | Courage Persists: Nonviolent Strategies for 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights 4- Week Series, April 22, 29, May 6, 13 This practical series welcomes all allies and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who want to oppose hate and double down on courage, love, and bold support for our beloved queer communities. We'll focus on creative defiance and various ways to oppose, resist, defy, and refuse to serve hate and discrimination. We'll also explore time-tested nonviolent strategies to leverage privilege, cultivate courage, and how to take action in adverse conditions. Facilitated by award-winning activist and trainer, Rivera Sun!
20% off with offer code UCRMN!
Download the poster here to print and share! |
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| |  | Rural Ministry Town Halls Gather together and build a network of support! Lay and clergy welcome!Share joys, insights, and successes Share challenges, disappointments, and failures Ask questions and raise concerns
Upcoming dates for the Rural Ministry Town Halls, (Which are monthly) 1 - 2:30 pm ET:
Wednesday April 23, Wednesday May 28, and Wednesday June 25.
Click here to sign up for Rural Ministry Town Halls through CHURCHx.ca
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| | Join Us For a Special SeriesTheological Banquetvia the Rural Ministry Town Halls
Theological Banquet, LeaderShift, and Growth Department: As a leader, you are engaging others in discerning next steps for the community of faith, setting direction for everything from the budget to the book study. There is an expectation that you are equipped to discern the direction “God is calling” your community to go. This is all the more challenging because of the various beliefs people hold about who God is, God’s activity in the world, and what the church is for. By offering a language and lens to explore the variety ways people of faith experience the activity and call of God among them, the Theological Banquet turns that diversity from potential conflict into deep appreciation for one another and for what the Spirit is making possible. Upcoming Sessions: Theological Banquet: Beginning with Lived Faith - Wednesday, April 23, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET Theological Banquet: Uncovering Implicit Theologies - Wednesday, April 30, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET Theological Banquet: Snapshot of Five Theologies - Wednesday, May 7, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET Theological Banquet: Appreciating Strength & Owning Our Shadows - Wednesday, May 14, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET Theological Banquet: Read to Lead, Reading Implicit Theologies and Leading with them - Wednesday, May 21, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET Theological Banquet: Debrief - Wednesday, May 28, 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET
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Another opportunity to learn… Lunch & Learn: Getting your church on the map!
Join us on May 6th at 12:00 PM EST for a 45-minute webinar that will walk you through setting-up your church’s Google Business Listing. This Lunch & Learn will offer you one practical tool you can implement today to strengthen invitation to your community of faith. This webinar will be provided in English, but content is available in French by emailing tmullin@united-church.ca.
Register: https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/RaQ37EahRj-AnyoP5rtf_A
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| |  | Check out ChurchX for all kinds of Learning Events: Many are free. Some are learn at your own pace. There are plenty to choose from.
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| | Regional Meetings and UCRMN: |
| | Most Regions have a Networking Fund that allows Networks such as the United Church Rural Ministry Network to apply for funding. We are asking for $300 from each Region. Thank you to those Regions who have supported UCRMN in 2024 (Antler River Waterways, Western Ontario Waterways, Horseshoe Falls, Prairie to Pine, Living Skies, Northern Spirit, Nakonhaka, Eastern Ontario Outaouais and East Central Ontario). Please invite people interested in rural ministry to check out us at UCRMN.ca. |
| | So Long For Now!
We hope you enjoyed this Edition of ENews. Any suggestions are most welcomed.
Email editor@UCRMN.ca
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Please forward this email to your Rural Ministry Colleagues and encourage them to “sign up” from our webpage at www.UCRMN.ca
_________________________________________________Who is UCRMN?
We are a Volunteer Charitable Network that is collecting and posting Rural Ministries initiatives in the United Church - from across Canada - all in one place; www.UCRMN.ca
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If you have an interest in finding out more, or to volunteer, please email us at office@UCRMN.ca
Blessings on your ministry!
Catherine, Eric, Donna, Shelley and Yvonne |
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