Embracing the Spirit: Changemaker Virtual Conference, Curiosity as a Mindset, and more⚡

Changemaker Virtual Conference Centre in Full Swing This Fall     During September, October, and November, EDGE Ministries, and other partners and sponsors have made the Changemakers Virtual Conference Centre on the WHOVA platform available to a variety of groups holding educational events. Several denominations are represented, and we encourage everyone to investigate and see if there are events that interest them. Save the date for: National Benevolent Association’s SENT (Social ENTtrepreneurship) Seminar—September 16 - 18 Disciples in Christ’s Leadership Academy—September 21 - 24 United Church of Christ’s Member in Discernment Event—October 14 - 16 Engage! Love and Justice Gathering — November 3 - 8 ….and more! Watch your email for dates and registration details or consult the EDGE Calendar—we are updating as events are scheduled. The Community Innovation Challenge Training Series will also run in the Changemaker’s Virtual Conference Centre. Contact slevis@united-church.ca for more information. [Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash] Get Curious!     Curiosity is the mindset change that we, as people of faith, are craving to begin to reimagine what church can be outside of Sunday morning. It is the mindset shift that: Allows us to ask questions and keep asking questions Assists us in letting go of needing “the” answers and to relinquish control Teaches us to follow the Spirit and to keep listening and discerning Enables us to take leaps of faith and be courageous in experimenting This is for innovative leaders, curious communities of faith, and those willing to explore what might be possible. Register for Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m. ET for five weeks starting September 28. This course is also offered as a one day event. [Photo by Thomas Bormans on Unsplash] Call for Nominations: Centennial Celebrations Committee In a few short years, it will be the 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada. The Centennial Celebrations Committee will reflect on the church’s complicated history and plan a way for the whole church to participate in recognizing, acknowledging, and celebrating who we are and who we might be on this momentous anniversary. Nominate someone or express your own interest by Wednesday, September 15. Partnering for Impact: From Crisis to Opportunity Imagine Canada, the same organization that did the report on the status of the charitable sector post-COVID, also recently released a compilation of case studies of non-corporate partnerships during the pandemic. The report will hopefully help corporations to examine how a new approach to innovation and partnerships with social impact organizations can magnify the change that they can make in the world. The Community Innovation Hub has been working with communities of faith to help them explore and unlock the potential for positive social change in strong community partnerships and an open mind to social innovation. It will expand that mandate in the latter part of 2021 and in 2022, making its resources available to secular social impact organizations as well as communities of faith to build a country-wide network of changemakers. Read the full article on Partnering for Impact, where you'll also find a link to download the report. Visit the Community Innovation Hub website. You can also email Sarah Levis at slevis@united-church.ca or Peter Miller at peter@communityinnovationhub.org for more information. Embracing the Spirit is a learning network and innovation fund. It offers funding and support for innovation ideas hatched out of faith communities and communities in ministry. Some of the stories and best practices that are happening throughout The United Church of Canada are shared in this newsletter. If you have an idea that you want to launch, reach out and tell us about it! Proposal deadlines are quarterly, and due on the 15th of the month: January, April, July and October. Find out more.  Share Tweet Forward to a friend Sign up for the Embracing the Spirit newsletter! Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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