A Town Hall Conversation
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The United Church of Canada has unveiled an inspiring new initiative, Toward 2035, as part of its Centennial celebrations. This forward-looking vision and whole church strategy aims to honour the legacy of past generations while charting a bold path for the future.
In an open letter, Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary, emphasized the importance of this moment for reflection and imagination. You can read the letter here: https://united-church.ca/sites/default/files/2025-05/toward-2035-open-letter.pdf
Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils held a joint town hall gathering to discuss the recent Toward 2035 report from General Council. We encouraged members of our decision-making bodies (Church Council or Board) to attend, Chairs and Presidents, as well as key decision-makers in your community of faith who are key players in the future of the church. Together we reflected on how we move forward.
We were joined by Cameron Fraser, Director of Growth and Ministry Development, as our guest presenter. Here was a summary of what our discussion will be about, for you to review before watching the recording of our event. This event was be facilitated by leaders from Canadian Shield and Shining Waters Regional Councils.
Toward 2035 – A Town Hall Conversation
Recorded on Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The PowerPoint slides, reflections from the break out groups and a selection of questions and answers will be posted here as it becomes available.
Questions about Toward 2035
If you have any questions concerning the conversation from our Toward 2035 Town Hall please fill out the form below. A staff person will contact you by email, and questions with responses will also be posted here.
Questions We Have Received
We will post any questions that we had from the Town Hall chat as well as any new questions that may come in to us.
Toward 2035 Questions
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Staff Support
Diane Matheson-Jimenez
Staff Lead; Minister, Community of Faith Support
Direct Phone: 249-489-2003
Email: dmatheson@united-church.ca
Serves in: Canadian Shield and Shining Waters Regional Councils
Location: Teleworks from home
Role: Diane provides support for the region by encouraging and connecting communities of faith as they adapt and experiment in changing times.
Contact Diane about: Conflict Resolution, Community Ministries, Congregational Finance, Covenants, Grants, Property, and Transitions - amalgamations, collaboration, closures.
More about Diane...
Jody Maltby
Minister, Finance
Direct Phone: 249-489-2002
Email: jmaltby@united-church.ca
Serves in: Canadian Shield and Shining Waters Regional Council
Location: Teleworks and works from the SWRC Guthrie Office
Role: Jody coordinates the support to communities of faith, including coordinating the work of regional staff.
Contact Jody about: Conflict Resolution; Community Ministries; Congregational Finance; Covenants; Governance; Grants; Property Renovation or Sale; Transitions – amalgamations, collaboration, closures.