Click HERE to read more about Shining Waters Regional Council

 

Community Events - SWRC - October 2026

 

Milestones (Covenanting and Affirming Services) - June 2026

 

Currents - The Latest News from SWRC - July 2026

 

SWRC Communications - October 1, 2026 - A Season of Transition

 

Daring Justice  - A newsletter of Social and Ecological Justice and Intercultural Diversity Commissions  - June 2025

AUC Representatives to Shining Waters Regional Council

Our lay representatives are: Bill Newman, Debby Schieck and Brian Walter.

 

THINKING OF GETTING INVOLVED?
Explore These Opportinities to Offer Your Gifts
As Shining Waters Regional Council continues to discern and shape its future, we invite members across the region to prayerfully consider how they might share their gifts in service. We are currently seeking individuals with passion, vision, and a commitment to the ministry of 
The United Church of Canada to serve in a variety of leadership and committee roles. Whether you are an experienced regional volunteer or someone looking to become involved for the first time, there are meaningful opportunities to contribute to the life and work of our Regional Council.

We are hoping to prepare the report for the Regional Meeting on October 14th so we would ask that applications be submitted by Friday, October 9th. Shining Waters Regional Council is currently recruiting new members for the following opportunities:
President-Elect

Shining Waters is currently engaged in the development of a regional strategic plan that will build on our vision as contained in the Regional Policy, our priorities as defined in the review of ministry and funding priorities and with Toward 2035.  
The President-Elect/President will have a key leadership role in helping the regional council to live into this strategic plan. 

We are looking for someone who feels connected to the vision of Shining Waters Regional Council and is excited about the possibilities for the United Church as we move forward.  Ideally you will have some familiarity with the structure of The United Church of Canada and experience serving at the regional level – on the Executive, a commission or committee, or as a regional representative from your community of faith. 

The President-Elect will be elected at the regional meeting in October 2026 for a one-year term followed by two years as the President, and one year as the Past-President.   

The mandates can be found here:
President Elect (PDF | 5 pages) – includes description of President, Past President and President Elect positions
Regional Council Executive (PDF | 2 pages)
 
Affirming Ministry Committee
Shining Waters Regional Council is an Affirming Ministry. The Regional Policy identifies a key component of our call as “welcoming people of all ages, abilities, races, sexual orientations and gender identities, and any other forms of 
marginalization into, and removing barriers to, the life, work and leadership of the Region and our communities of faith.”

The purpose of the Affirming Ministry Committee is to help the regional council to live into this call and to provide support to Affirming Ministries within the region.  We are seeking four individuals, open to lay people and ministry personnel, with experience and skills that would be helpful.  As much as possible, the committee will reflect the geographic diversity of Affirming Ministries within the region.

This is a new committee in Shining Waters, and we are excited to see what develops!

The mandate can be found here: 
Affirming Ministry Committee (PDF | 2 pages)
 
Intergenerational Ministry Committee
The Intergenerational Ministry Committee was established in response to the direction of the regional council at a special meeting on December 9, 2025. The purpose of the committee is to help the regional council to engage with children, youth and young adults 
and their families/caregivers across Shining Waters Regional Council, fostering communities of belonging, faith exploration, and intergenerational engagement.

We are seeking six individuals, open to lay people and ministry personnel, with experience and skills that would be helpful.  The committee will include at least two youth or young adult persons.

The mandate can be found here: 
Intergenerational Ministry Committee (PDF | 2 pages)
 
Other opportunities

Shining Waters Regional Council is also recruiting new members for our existing commissions and committees. 
 
We seek people with a commitment to the future of The United Church of Canada who can offer fresh perspectives and insights; those who bring knowledge and experience from being active in local communities.  We need people who can see the big picture, people who are interested in innovative ministry, people who can help develop policies and people with a keen eye for details.
 
Get involved, meet your neighbours, and work together to support the ministry of all our communities of faith!  You can learn more through our video series and additional information found here: Get Involved - Shining Waters
  •  Regional Council Executive
  • Communities of Faith Commission
  • Intercultural Diversity Commission
  • Social and Ecological Justice Commission
  • Pastoral Relations Commission
  • Nominations Committee
  • Grants and Mission Support Committee
  • Intentional Interim Ministry Committee
  • Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Committee
 
We are also looking for two members for the Presbyteries of Toronto Conference Corporation (PTCC), our funding partner for grants for Communities of Faith. 

For information on their work:
PTCC Website: About the Presbyteries of Toronto Conference Corporation 
or see the SWRC Grants and Funding page
 
The strength of Shining Waters Regional Council comes from the wisdom, diversity, and dedication of people who are willing to serve. By offering your time, experience, and perspective, you can help shape the future of our church and support thriving ministries across the region. We encourage you to explore these opportunities, share them with others who may be interested, and consider where your gifts might best be used. Together, we can continue building a vibrant, inclusive, and faithful future for our communities of faith.

Interested in learning more or submitting your name for consideration? Visit the links above to review mandates and committee information or contact Jody Maltby at jmaltby@united-church.ca with any questions. Otherwise we invite you to fill our our nomination expression of interest form below. We are hoping to prepare the report for the Regional Meeting on October 14th so we would ask that applications be submitted by Friday, October 9th.

We look forward to hearing from you!
 
Nomination Expression of Interest Form
Staff Support
Jody Maltby
Regional Staff Lead; Finance and Property Minister

Shining Waters Regional Council,
The United Church of Canada
Toll Free: 1-888-747-9063, Ext. 2
Direct Phone: 249-489-2002
Email: jmaltby@united-church.ca