First GCE meeting is also Moderator the Right Rev. Dr. Heath’s first Executive meeting
The first meeting of the 45th General Council Executive met in person in Toronto from September 25–28. Several new members as well as returning members spent the weekend getting oriented to the way the Executive works together.
The Executive of the General Council is the decision-making body for the United Church between meetings of the General Council. It consists of the Moderator, immediate past Moderator, General Secretary, and 15 members from across the United Church.
Nia Bentayen, who attends Becoming Church, an emerging community of faith, is new to the Executive.
“For me,” she says, “being in the GCE is an opportunity to empower the people and to push the framework of the church by engaging in decolonizing practices and collaborating with one another.”
“I value serving on the General Council Executive because it allows me to contribute to the wider vision and mission of the church beyond my local congregation in Kamloops, British Columbia. I appreciate the opportunity to bring the voices and experiences of my community of faith into the larger conversation, while also being enriched by the wisdom and diversity of others across the church,” says Rev. Michael Caveney, who has served on the Executive for four years. “Serving in this way strengthens my own ministry and deepens my commitment to our shared calling of Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice, and Deep Spirituality.”
This Call is our commitment, now and for the future.
“What are the visions and dreams for The United Church of Canada?” Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson of the United Church of Christ asks—and offers answers to—that question, as her words lead us through this video collection of highlights from the recent meeting of the 45th General Council in Calgary.
A full summary of the Executive meeting can be read on generalcouncil.ca by October 2.