Congregational Support Toolkit
Toolkit #1 – Covenant between Region and Communities of Faith
At the heart of the relationship with the regional council there will be a personalized covenant for each community of faith. This covenant expresses our commitment to work together, care for one another and respect the roles and responsibilities we have been given as part of The United Church of Canada. It is this covenant that will help to define our relationship and commitment to the ministry we share.
Each community of faith and congregation will create their own covenant with the Canadian Shield Regional Council by completing the appropriate sections, including choosing and explaining the symbols that reflect their commitment to this relationship.
Covenant Instructions
A Covenant of Mutual Commitment
This liturgy will be used as part of a service to celebrate the covenant between the Canadian Shield Regional Council and community of faith. A representative from the regional council will participate in this service with the community of faith. This may be done as part of a service to covenant with new ministry personnel or at a regular worship service.
Liturgy for Regional Covenanting Service
Toolkit #2 – Community of Faith Profile
A set of worksheets to assist communities of faith with information gathering, review and discernment of their current strengths, challenges, ministry initiatives and goals.
NOTE: Our thanks to the Antler River, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council for preparing the following resources.
Step by step instructions for completing the profile worksheets and living faith story.
Profile Preparation Handbook
Identifying information and record of approvals.
Profile Cover Page
A more detailed description of your ministry using headings that will assist with writing a position description and reviewing applications.
Living Faith Story Categories Worksheet (categories template)
Asks the questions, “Who are we” and “Who are our neighbours”.
Demographics Worksheet
A tool to assess current and future financial well-being for planning purposes.
Financial Viability Worksheet
A record of property, such as cemeteries, if applicable. Does not refer to the church building or manse.
Real Property Worksheet
Information about the manse if applicable.
Manse Information Worksheet
Toolkit #3 – ChurchHub
ChurchHub is the new national database for information for every community of faith and all ministry personnel in The United Church of Canada.
Current instructions for updating information on ChurchHub
ChurchHub – How to Enter Your Information
ChurchHub – How to Upload Your Files
United Church of Canada ChurchHub description
ChurchHub.ca (the national database)
Toolkit #4 – Property Matters
Information for communities of faith, trustees and governing bodies regarding property matters and transactions.
A guide to property transactions for communities of faith in the Canadian Shield Regional Council.
Toolkit #5 – Pastoral Charge Supervisors
Information for communities of faith and Pastoral Charge Supervisors related to the tasks and responsibilities of this position.
A brief overview of the responsibilities of a pastoral charge supervisor.
Pastoral Charge Supervisor Job Description
Toolkit #6 – Self Assessment for Communities of Faith
A checklist-style guide for carrying out an annual self assessment and identifying policies and practices which may need to be updated in the coming year and is a tool for assessing the work of the community of faith and identifying best practices.
Toolkit #7 – Maintaining the Historic Roll
Information and best practices related to maintaining the Historic Roll.
(available for download soon)
Maintaining the Historic Roll – manual
Historic Roll Guidelines
Historic Roll- Frequently Asked Questions
Toolkit #8 – Shared Ministry Agreements/Covenants of Cooperation
Resources for communities of faith interested in sharing staff/resources and exploring opportunities for cooperation.
NOTE: Our thanks to the Antler River, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council for preparing the following resources.
A Handbook containing information to help create a successful collaborative ministries.
Collaborative Ministry Handbook
Basic template that can be adapted as needed.
Sample Shared Ministry Agreement
An overview of ministry sharing with examples, benefits and considerations.
Ministry Sharing Information (PowerPoint)
Toolkit # 9- Annual Meetings
Information to help communities of faith prepare for annual meetings and adapt to changes related to Covid-19.