Spring Regional Council Gathering Round-Up

The following is taken from the most recent Nakonha:ka newsletter. On June 4th, our Regional COuncil held their first live meeting in three years. n fact it was a hybrid gathering, with many from all over the region attending via Zoom. Pastor Beryl attended, as did Shirley Stark, who has faithfully represented our congregation for many years. There should be some familiar names in the following report:

“The day dawned bright and sunny as people from around the Regional Council gathered on Zoom and in person at Lakeshore Trinity United Church on Saturday, June 4, 2022. A renewed sense of connection after a long separation could be sensed in the animated conversations in person and online. Outgoing Regional Council President, Rev. Linda Buchanan, called the assembly to order just after 10 am. Following a welcome to the Mohawk Territory by Kanesatake Elder Satewas Gabriel (with an invitation to join the celebration scheduled for September 2023 for the completion of the Mohawk translation of the Bible), Susan Montour of Kahnawake offered the Thanksgiving Address (the words before all words), and Rev. Steve Gillam welcomed the gathering to Lakeshore Trinity United Church. The morning’s presentations focused on:  a deeper understanding of the nature of the treaties between indigenous nations and colonizers set in a biblical context (video with Adrian Jacobs, presented by Lisa Byer de Wever on behalf of the Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle)  life-threatening injustice and corruption related to the actions of mining companies and governments in the Philippines (presented by Patricia Lisson, DM, and Guy-Lin Beaudoin on behalf of the Beaconsfield Initiative and ICHRP-International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines), with special mention of the longstanding contributions of Rev. Shaun Fryday, and the ongoing support of Rev. Arlen Bonnar and the community of St. James United Church.  the new LGBTQ2+ Refugee initiative being created at Beaconsfield United Church in partnership between the BUC Refugee Integration and Support team and the West Island LGBTQ2+ Centre (presented by Bailey Eastwood, Adedeji Akintayo and David Hawkins). Gratitude for the continued inspiration and support offered by Rev. Shaun Fryday to all of these initiatives was expressed, as well as for the news of a recent grant from the Granting and Enabling Leadership Team to support this new initiative. The upcoming slate of the Executive Council was presented by Rev. Tami Spires (on behalf of the Nominations Leadership team) for a vote. Before the assembly dispersed for a lunch break, Rev. Dr. James Christie brought greetings from Wood Lake Press, highlighting the first of two publications dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the UCC (Keys to the Kindom), and distributing 10 complementary copies to those present. Throughout lunch time (and the rest of the day) many of those attending in person enjoyed the delicious treats prepared by the hospitality team at Lakeshore Trinity (not to mention Rev. Mead Baldwin’s famous cinnamon rolls!) The afternoon’s worship celebration included covenanting with the Executive, including incoming Regional Council President Marc Grenon, and members of leadership teams. Rev. Steve Gillam shared some of the ups and downs of the amalgamation journey of Dorval Strathmore United Church and St. John’s United Church as they worked together to become the new Lakeshore Trinity United Church. The contributions of retiring ministry personnel, Rev. Lee Ann Hogle, Rev. Shaun Fryday and Rev. David Fines were celebrated. Rev. Joelle Leduc offered a moving sermon on the topic of daring justice, with a reminder of the importance of opening our mouths to speak and our ears to hear uncomfortable truths that move us to action. We were also blessed by the musical leadership of Rafael de Castro throughout the day.”