It was April 2017 when four congregational councils gathered to talk about what might the ministry of the four congregations of Hamilton look like if they came together to share ministry including possible amalgamation. Since that time all four congregations have met individually and gone to congregations to seek their permission to enter into meaningful and practical conversations that may lead to the amalgamation of all four of the congregations or a combination therein. All four congregations voted overwhelmingly to begin those conversations in a formal way.
As the result, an amalgamation task force team was formed and made up of 12 people. Two lay leaders from each congregation as identified by the Councils. The task force also includes the four pastors who are under call or interim appointment. they are Pastor Loretta Jaunzarins, Pastors Thomas and Daniela Mertz, Pastor Douglas Schweyer. A parallel prayer group will be formed to meet at the same time as the Task Force to pray for the work of the Task Force and for the direction and guidance of God's spirit. Please carefully consider being part of the important work of the prayer group and then speak to your pastor if you feel led by the Holy Spirit to be part of this ministry. The prayer group chaplain will be pastor Chun Zhang (St. John's). Amalgamation coaches Janet Marshall and Ron Ewen from the Toronto United Church Council (TUCC) Centre for Church Development and Leadership were hired to guide the process. A work plan has been laid out with the goal of having a decision on amalgamation by the end of 2018. After a series of discussion, reflection, bible study and town hall meetings, a vision proposal was developed and accepted by all four congregations. And on December 9th, 2018 all four congregational meetings passed the resolution to stepping into the next stage of the amalgamation process with our TUCC coaches. |
The logo of our amalgamation process - One in Christ
It is a map of all four congregation's members' home locations. Click the map to zoom in or out for better view.
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