Shining Waters Regional Council

06/01/2026

On Sunday, Shining Waters' Pastoral Relations and Support to Communities of Faith Minister, Rev. Eun-Joo Park was on hand as Saint Luke's, Toronto voted to call Rev. Jim Harbell! Blessings and best wishes to Saint Luke's and Rev. Jim as they continue their pastoral relationship!

06/01/2026

Every year around June 3 Uganda Martyrs United Church, Toronto, commemorate the 1885-1887 martyrdom of 45 young teens and men who refused to renounce their Christianity, most of whom were burned alive. Imagine a 14 year old boy willing to die for his Christian faith. A special worship service was followed by a Ugandan dinner and entertainment. This year they also had a pilgrimage around the neighbourhood in recognition of the journey the young people took to be martyred. Shining Waters is honoured to have supported this event and to be uplifted by this faithful community of faith.

06/01/2026

Grace United (Barrie) and St. Paul's (Orillia) hosted the 'Here from the Beginning' exhibit this past weekend on the story of Black peoples, leaders and ministry within the United Church. Some of us gathered on Saturday to take in the exhibit, visit the national historic site of Oro African Methodist Church, and enjoy a picnic. Grace United, Barrie, was one of four host sites for the exhibit in Shining Waters. Next stop is Canadian Shield Regional Council AGM June 5-7.

05/28/2026

Share with your youth, young adults and leaders! Time to register for our national gathering Collective 2026!

Does it ever feel like the design on your box of facial tissues is trying to tell you something? Like, register for Collective 2026 by June 30 at https://www.collective-gathering.ca ? 🌊

05/21/2026

Looking for a meaningful summer job opportunity?

Davenport-Perth Community Ministry is hiring for 5 Canada Summer Jobs positions, including Community Workers, a Communications Director, and a Project Administration Officer!

Work on community events, arts, gardening, social justice initiatives, and more in a diverse Toronto neighbourhood.

Click the PDF link below for full details, eligibility, and how to apply:
https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/JD-2026-Post.pdf

05/21/2026

If you missed the Shining Waters tour of the Mohawk Institute, the Woodland Cultural Centre is open for self-guided tours this summer.

This summer, the Former Mohawk Institute Residential School will be open for self-guided drop-in tours Tuesday to Saturday throughout June, July, and August.

Operating for 141 years beginning in 1828, the Mohawk Institute was one of Canada’s earliest residential schools and became a model for a system rooted in forced assimilation, cultural suppression, and harm to First Nations children and families.

Today, the building stands as a site of conscience and public education. Visitors are invited to walk through the space at their own pace, learn from the truths Survivors have long carried, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

⚠️Content warning: This site addresses difficult subject matter, including references to physical and sexual abuse. Content advisories are posted throughout the building.

Tickets can also be purchased in person upon arrival.

Image Credit:

05/20/2026

May is honoured as Asian Heritage Month. Take the Canadian Encyclopedia quiz to find out how much you know or need to learn about Asian Canadian history.

History, politics, arts, science & more: the Canadian Encyclopedia is your reference on Canada. Articles, timelines & resources for teachers, students & public.

05/19/2026

Summer Sabbath Resource: Flexible Summer Worship Resource for Your Community! - https://mailchi.mp/united-church/summer-sabbath-resource-flexible-summer-worship-resource-for-your-community-13363691

05/15/2026

Shining Waters joined United Church communities of faith and others at the Moose Hide Campaign Rally at Queen’s Park, Toronto. Raise gentle and kind men. No more missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirit people.

05/14/2026

Blessings and best wishes from all of us in Shining Waters on your retirement, Rev. Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa!