BROCK UNIVERSITY ECUMENICAL CHAPLAINCY
Brock Ecumenical Chaplaincy Service was reduced from full to 60% time in 2012-2013 due to
the lack of denominational support for this ministry. The irony is that the chaplaincy was reduced
in time in order to be affordable, but the reduction then sparked the supporting denominations to
further reduce financial support, leaving the future of United Church ministry on Canadian
campuses in doubt.
Nevertheless, the Brock University Ecumenical Chaplaincy committee is to be congratulated for
seeking to guide this ministry through difficult times and to find ways to sustain a ministry that is
judged vital to the supporting congregations and to their presence in the lives of thousands of
young adults across Canada. University Chaplaincy consists of connecting with students, sharing
their journey of growth and change, and being present as a counsellor and friend before some of
the more difficult questions in life. Chaplaincy is also about being part of the University
infrastructure through committee work and in the context of Student Services. Finally a Chaplain
is also a leader during various ceremonial gatherings that define the life of a university.
This year at Brock University, the Ecumenical Chaplain engaged in over 50 one-on-one
counselling session with students, led several university gatherings such as the General Brock
memorial service and Ash Wednesday, was on the Student Justice Steering Committee and the
Brock Social Justice Forum Committee, participated regularly in Student Services work, and
supported several student events and groups related to spirituality and faith.
The United Church of Canada struggles to support its University Chaplains across Canada, yet
the Church judges this ministry as one of its most significant forms of outreach to Canadian
students. Every United Church chaplain in Canada today, in the face of this financial challenge,
remains committed to our denomination and to its theological presence on campus. It is no
different at Brock University, where the United Church remains an active voice in the midst of
the Sturm und Drang (storm and stress) that defines university life.
-
David Galston
CAMPUS MINISTRY AT WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY and THE
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
It’s a somber rainy April day at the beginning of exams. With my office door open, I can see and
hear the focused intensity of students pressing toward the finish line of the term. Many students
are traumatized by the university experience, especially at the end of term. Campus Ministry
provides a den of safety, comfort and hope. As one of the team, I take my turn each week
ensuring that our door, our ears and hearts are open to whatever needs come our way. The
unpredictability and intensity of all-encompassing issues of students coming to us make Campus
Ministry an essential component of the student support group at both universities.
As we move from a society where education was aimed at preparing young people for the
workplace, to one where education is about developing well-rounded people who show ingenuity
and innovative ability, the experience demands that each student look at themselves in order to
discover their potential and ability. As Chaplain, I meet with students to help them build a
strong sense of self and identity as one who is loved by God and beautiful in the eyes of God . . .
as they are.
In contrast to the competitive classroom, a visit to my office or participation in one of the
campus ministry programs is open to everyone and accepting of people no matter what their
particular perspective on life may be. This makes campus ministry unique.
The best times in campus ministry happen when a number of students banter around various
selected topics each week at Fermented Faith (WLU) or Theology on Tap (UW). A book study
group appeals to the graduate and mature student population. Working as a team with other
chaplains we have orchestrated a number of special worship events, held a series of workshops
on Human Trafficking, engaged the students in a couple of weekend retreats aimed at
development of leadership skills.
One of the ways I try to engage the students while introducing them to various worship styles is
with the Chaplain’s Brass. This year I have had 5 wonderful students who have come together to
rehearse and play for many events in the community, nursing homes and worship services at
churches. Music is a great spiritual language. I know that the students I work with understand
this. The group has been a rich mixture of students from various or no religious background. We
played for Easter Sunday at First United Church in Waterloo and one of the students, who had
never been at an Easter service before found the experience very powerful.
The summer comes none-too-soon to enliven the spirits of our students who spend hundreds of
hours behind the screens of their computers and I-pads. I am heartened by their honesty,
delighted by their vision, and given hope as they smile and say farewell, either leaving for
summer work, or unknown futures.
One student, far from having a certain future and graduating this spring corrected me when I
suggested they would soon be established. They were quick to return; “I believe I am established
– because God is with me each step of the way.”
Indeed, God is with us each step of the way, although we often are a little slow in recognizing
this reality.
Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support of our students and campus ministry.
-
Paul Ellingham
ECUMENICAL CAMPUS MINISTRY – UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH
The Ecumenical Campus Ministry (ECM) supported by the Anglican, Presbyterian and United
Churches exists to provide students with pastoral support and encouragement from a Christian
perspective that is inclusive, celebratory and missional. There are two main streams within ECM
at the University of Guelph.
First, through small group conversation, pastoral counseling, collaboration with other Christian
groups and engagement with the Multi Faith Resource Team (MFRT), we present a uniquely
Christian ministry reaching out not only to Presbyterian, United and Anglican churches but also
to those students looking for a more inclusive and generous orthodoxy.
Second, through an initiative called Campus Ubuntu, ECM seeks to reach out to those students
who identify as spiritual but not religious. Ubuntu comes to us from South Africa and is a world
view that recognizes our shared humanity. ‘A person is a person through other people’ - Nelson
Mandela; ‘I am because we are’ - Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu. Some Christian writers for
example, Brian McLaren, view Ubuntu as an understanding of the Kingdom of God – an
initiative of peace, justice, care and compassion, where people of all cultures, faiths and
identities live together in harmony. Ubuntu is a powerful world view that enables ECM to
engage many more students in dialogue and in social justice on campus.
Healthy Congregations and Presbyteries
Although ECM is not considered a congregation, two groups on campus are experiencing a sense
of deep connectedness and shared identity as a result of our work. First, is a small group called
Christian Conversations over Coffee (CCOC). This group meets weekly and talks about the
challenges of being Christian on campus. We are an inclusive group welcoming to all students of
various faiths and sexual orientation. As well, we recognize the validity of other world religions.
In this context we talk about being uniquely Christian - holding fast to Christ while at the same
time granting others the same privilege to self identify that we give ourselves.
CCOC joined together this past year with all other Christian groups on campus (a challenging yet
rewarding experience) to plan and offer ‘Jesus Week’ on campus. The theme was ‘Jesus,
Who?’ There were events from Sunday night through to Thursday night. CCOC was
responsible for a booth in the University Centre entitled “What’s your beef about Christianity?”
It was a place to hear about the pain and struggles people have had with the church.
Campus Ubuntu the second group, includes Christians as well as people from other faith
traditions or no faith traditions. We gather to explore the spirituality and philosophy of
recognizing our deep connections to one another as human beings. This group is a strong knit
group that promotes a sense of love and compassion, caring and concern for one another on
campus. It is also the group that engages in significant social justice issues including Idle No
More, Animal Cruelty and Immigration to name a few. Campus Ubuntu is also attempting to
encourage the Jewish community on campus to meet with the organizers of the Israeli Apartheid
Week, in an effort to prevent polarization on campus.
Effective Leadership
Both groups are exhibiting strong leadership skills on campus. Our campus minister, Marty
Molengraaf meets with the leaders in a mentorship role. Ubuntu is recognized by
Student Life, Residence Life, the Office of Intercultural Affairs and the Human Rights and
Equity Office as having an important role to play in establishing a baseline of human behaviour
on campus, notably, in terms of interpersonal relationships. Through the MFRT, Ubuntu will be
part of future diversity training for Residence Life staff as well as being offered in context of
Leadership Education seminars for Student Life. Ubuntu has a powerful leadership role on
campus.
Faithful Public Witness
Both CCOC and Ubuntu give students the opportunity to talk with others about faith and
spirituality. In both groups, faith and spirituality are welcomed and affirmed. Both groups are
seen as safe places to explore one’s faith and one’s spiritual life. We had a short campaign this
year with posters that stated “Are you tired of defending your beliefs? Come and celebrate them
instead”. Both groups enable students to see that faith and science can live harmoniously.
Strengthening Partnerships
ECM has developed strong relationships over this past year with the following organizations Human Rights and Equity Office, Residence Life, Student Life, Office of Intercultural Affairs,
Aboriginal Resource Centre, Student Volunteer Centre, Ontario Public Interest Research Group
(OPIRG), Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity, Food Not Bombs,
Guelph Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and of course the Multi Faith Resource
Team. These relationships help to position ECM for a positive future on campus.
Activities over the year included:
• introducing Ubuntu - a week long resource fair in the University Centre - fall 2012
• jointly offering a volunteer resource fair with Student Volunteer Centre (twice)
• support of Queer Week including offering of a workshop entitled Queerness and Spirituality
• offering a L.E.A.D. workshop at the request of Student Life on Ubuntu (offered it twice)
• engagement with and shared leadership of Idle No More Guelph
• engagement with Food Not Bombs - jointly offering Ubuntu suppers to students
• engagement with Jewish community and with organizers of Israeli Apartheid Week
• Peace week – facilitated a discussion on the myth of redemptive violence and participated in a
peace walk
• an increase in Pastoral Care was recorded- marital, career, stress and bereavement counseling
• establishment of a vegan support group
• effective launch of “Ask Big Questions ” (ABQ)- initially an idea from ECM, we joined forces
with the Jewish Hillel leaders on campus and received funding to train students from ABQ
International. Excellent results were achieved with this initiative and we look forward to new
opportunities to advance this initiative further
ECM is well poised for an excellent ministry on campus here in Guelph in the years to come.
-
Prof. C.J. Swanton and Rev. Molengraaf
FIVE OAKS EDUCATION AND RETREAT CENTRE
Five Oaks is a learning and retreat centre that nurtures renewal and transformation in a sacred, natural
setting. Five Oaks remains dedicated to our values in all that we do;
1. A place for all
2. Individual wholeness
3. Congregational leadership
4. Societal responsiveness
5. Environmental sustainability
Five Oaks strives to be a well-governed, well-managed organization know across the United Church of
Canada, other faith groups and the wider community for the excellence of programs and hospitality that
are designed for the development of individuals and leadership.
We remain strongly committed to Hamilton Conference to provide transformative education and retreat
experiences which will develop leadership and strengthen congregations and ministries. We extend many
thanks to those who participated in or supported a Five Oaks program in 2012. Total program participants
increased from 1584 in year 2011 to 1898 in year 2012. The criteria to create and offer a Five Oaks
program is that there must be potential for the program to be transformative in the participant’s life.
Among these programs were; Returning to Spirit, Courage to Lead, Licensed Lay Worship Leaders,
Distinguished speaker: Phyllis Tickle, Jubilee – Spiritual Deepening, education for specialized ministry
such as NEOS and Pastoral Care, Confirmation, Youth Leadership camps, Children’s summer camp and
more. Of these 1898 total program participants, 971 identified they were from Hamilton Conference. To
serve and strengthen partnerships, program visioning and program development was collaboratively done
with Hamilton Conference members.
Also, Five Oaks strives to offer exceptional hospitality in a rustic, natural environment. Many interpret
the land as a sacred space, one that offers renewal. Five Oak’s supports the work United Church groups,
other church groups, Christian organizations, individuals and other community groups, recognizing that
offering a space for renewal will support their ongoing work and commitment to a number of important
causes. In 2012, hosting increased by 7% which served 3177 total people with 76% of these people
staying overnight or longer for a total of 3661 overnight visits. 551 total people identified they were from
Hamilton Conference. Included in these visits were:
43 United Church groups, totaling 720 total people
11 other church groups, totaling 307 total people
3 Christian organizations and schools, totaling 120 total people
298 total people experienced Five Oaks on individual retreats or as an escape with their family
1732 total people from other groups including writers groups, spiritual groups, crafting groups, aboriginal
groups, schools, universities, nature groups, women’s groups, camps, service clubs, and non-profit
organizations
As we move forward into 2013, Five Oaks board of directors and staff team have articulated a strategic
plan for the next three years. This strategic plans includes the following priorities:
1. To be a well-governed, well-managed organization
2. To be a well-known asset, locally, provincially and nationally through effective marketing and
promotions strategies
3. To build a strong network through effective communication and relationship building
4. To support Five Oaks to reach and maintain a healthy, viable and sustainable financial position
5. To support and encourage the Program Director and Program Advisory groups to continue the
evolution of excellent programming
Through strong partnerships, financial stability and effective promotions, Five Oaks will provide relevant
and meaningful programs for Hamilton Conference congregations, pastoral charges, outreach ministries
and missions. Education and renewal can no longer been seen as a luxury rather it is a necessity in a
world under constant change and flux.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you
may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
We look forward to serving you in 2013! Blessings.
-
Melissa Connor, Executive Director
McMASTER CAMPUS MINISTRIES COUNCIL
Mission Statement:
The McMaster Campus Ministries Council seeks to express God's love to the McMaster University community
through worship, pastoral care, participation in the intellectual life of the campus, response to campus needs and
emergencies, and the development of the greatest possible interdenominational and ecumenical involvement, and
raising awareness in the Church communities of the nature of the Council's mission.
Goals for 2012-2013:
Our goals radiated from the closing celebration of the 40th anniversary of the MCMC in April 2012.
Current students and alumni affirmed the relevance and on going need for the Ecumenical Chaplaincy.
We invited suggestions for ways to help secure the financial future in light of diminishing denominational
grants. We have affiliated with Canada Helps which facilitates contributions through our website. Three
major events were planned for the fall, including:
1. Former Ecumenical Chaplain and author, John Philip Newell was the keynote for a fundraiser on
October 30. The planning committee promoted the event widely among all denominations and
networks. Not only did the speaker attract alumni, but also new people from the greater Hamilton
community. The Anglican Diocese of Niagara generously donated the use of the Cathedral.
Profits from the event, as well as a private donation offset the projected budget deficit for 2012.
2. Alanna Mitchell, author and environmentalist, made a significant impact on students who
attended the seminar and lecture on ocean acidification. Seeking support to fund and promote the
event meant finding many partners in addition to the MCMC and Hamilton Conference,
including: United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Ontario Public
Interest Research Group McMaster, Institute for Globalization and the Human Condition,
Political Action Committee of CUPE 3906, Advocacy and Action Social Justice Club, McMaster
Centre for Climate Change, School of Geography and Earth Sciences, MACgreen, and the HOPE
Chair in Peace and Health.
3. The 25th anniversary of Thanksgiving Dinner for International Students was celebrated with the
help of United, Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist and Catholic friends at St. Paul’s Anglican
Church. Serving a complete dinner, rather than only providing the turkey, necessitated additional
volunteers and wider ecumenical participation. More than 160 people were served a complete
harvest dinner. International students helped to decorate the hall and provided cultural and
contemporary entertainment. Students who helped with the dinner continued to support other
international gatherings and events throughout the year.
Summary of Ministry:


Planning meetings for the fall events began in the spring with a special committee for the
Newell event; close collaboration with the OPIRG and United Nations Office for the Alanna
Mitchell event; and meeting with International students to seek their support, as well as their
talents in planning the Thanksgiving Dinner. The close proximity of the events stretched our
volunteer capacity, but we drew encouragement from one another, and were sustained by
God’s grace.
The Awareness and Action for Social Justice Club began with more than 120 signatures, but
with modest support for the weekly gatherings. The most successful event of the year was
showing the documentary: So this is Hamilton … after the Steel Rush. The film and







discussion with the filmmakers was jointly promoted with OPIRG (Ontario Public Interest
Group).
The Anti-Violence Network (a group that is facilitated by the Chaplain) organized a shoe
campaign for local shelters in connection with the December 6th commemoration. Students
helped to clean, package and deliver more than 300 pairs of women and children’s shoes.
The McMaster Community Poverty (a group that is co-chaired by the Chaplain) coordinated
the “Do the Math” awareness exercise for about 40 students from various faculties. For
many, it was their first experience to eat a very modest food bank diet for a week. They
experienced the high-sodium, low protein diet that included no fresh fruit or green
vegetables. Students’ reactions ranged from surprise to outrage as they learned about the
plight of thousands of people who rely on food banks every month. Students blogged and
wrote letters to their MPP’s in support of a healthy food supplement for individuals on social
assistance.
We responded to spiritual needs through counseling and support, and being with students as
they discerned next steps in relation to education, employment and relationships. We
coordinated a series of events: services for Advent and Blue Holiday, a “Unity” Christmas
Coffeehouse, a day for prayer and reflection during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,
and a Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast.
The Daughters of Abraham (DOA) interfaith dialogue group collaborated with the
Chaplaincy’s Awareness and Action for Social Justice Group, Hillel and the Catholic
Student’s Association to make sandwiches for the Olive Branch, a local outreach ministry in
downtown Hamilton. The DOA also met regularly to learn about each other’s faith tradition.
Goals for 2013-14
Contextualizing social justice by fostering a relationship between campus, local churches
and community social service agencies. Four major events would be planned along with
reflection times. Resources and insights from the 10th General Assembly in Busan, Korea
will inform the work.
Working with a placement student from Emmanuel College to build and strengthen
relationships with students, including a new group for prayer and mutual support.
Discern (with the Council) an idea for a fund-raiser for 2014. The budget approved at the
AGM includes a $5,000 fundraiser.
Reflection on Goals:
Current research focuses on a group called the “nones” – or those people who do not fit into any religious
category. Most students who have grown up in main line denominations are not attending church on a
weekly basis, either at home or in their campus community. We seek to provide a faithful public witness
regarding God’s call to do justice through events, and to be present for those who are trying to make sense
out of the big questions in their lives. With the increasing need to fundraise, we are seeking interns who
can help with the ministry and who can be nurtured as leaders. We continue to apply for various grants
that could support a student intern and provide program funding to work specifically with international
students, justice related programming, and ecumenical cooperation among Christians on campus.
We are very appreciative of the support of Hamilton Conference towards the ministry to the McMaster
University community.
-
Carol Wood, Ecumenical Chaplain