AOTS Blog Entry November 2017

The National Association of United Church AOTS Men’s Clubs – it is a long title that we usually shorten to “AOTS”.  I think it is important to remember that the foundation for AOTS is the local club in a United Church Congregation or Pastoral Charge.  Clubs and their members unanimously speak positively about their wonderful experiences in fellowship and service together.  Our title “The National Association of …. Clubs” truly reflects our nature as a club-centered organization.  Ourfounders also recognized AOTS needed an organization to manage the administrative elements of a national service club. The National Council, along with a paid staff person, was designed to achieve that need through national projects, recognition protocols, and biennial conventions.

Change, change, change!  We know change is inevitable and AOTS is no different.  Clubs and club membership are declining rapidly.  Participation in national programs and activities is also on a steep decline.  In most cases, we have not found a model to reinvigorate our membership.  To address the trends, the National AOTS took a few steps over the last 10 years to refocus including:

• The Constitution and Bylaws were revised and updated.

• The National Executive was established with 11 volunteers providing national representation.

• The Camp Improvement Project was established as our sole national project.

• A “Women in AOTS” bylaw was enacted to give Clubs membership flexibility while retaining their AOTS association.

• National dues were suspended.

Despite these changes, the National Executive continues to struggle with issues such as:

• Several visioning attempts did not reveal a new, sustainable model.

• Communication with Clubs is very difficult.  We are literally losing touch with most clubs.

• Participation in The Camp Improvement Project and Biennial meetings is very low.

We have concluded that the priority for most clubs is to carry on with their good work in their local club.  The national connection is less important and is not perceived to add much value.

In light of the background as I described it, we are proceeding on a path to “suspend” the activity of the AOTS National Executive.  It is important to note:  We are only suspending the National Executive and related activities; we are not closing the AOTS.  Clubs and Regional Events are free to continue, much as they do today.

What does this mean for the Executive?

• All functions of the National Executive will be suspended indefinitely.

• We are implementing a plan to wind-up all activities and financial assets of the National Executive.

• We hope to establish a static website as a reference for historical information and materials.

• We hope to complete the majority of this work in 2018.

What does this mean for Clubs?

• Clubs will be encouraged to continue with their current activities.

• Clubs don’t need to change anything in their local organization.

• Clubs will be free to use the AOTS name, logo and other materials.

• Clubs will no longer participate in national projects or events.

What does this mean for regional events such as the Central Region Round-up?

• Regional events will be encouraged to continue.

• Regional events will not have financial support from the National AOTS.

What if we need a National organization in the future?

• The Executive can be re-activated in the same or modified form if there is significant interest in the future. 

The current National Executive members are very concerned about the future of men’s ministry in the United Church.  We are particularly concerned about spiritual growth opportunities for younger men.  Do they need a small group (in person or on-line) to foster their spiritual growth? We recognize men’s ministry can take various forms.  We believe there is a need for a resource within the United Church to support men’s clubs, AOTS clubs, men’s fellowships, men’s ministries and other men’s organizations at the congregational, regional, or national level.  There is nothing available today to tie such organizations together in a way that facilitates communication and sharing.  Unfortunately, the National AOTS is not able to provide such a resource.

We acknowledge that suspending the National Executive is a significant change and not something we would “dream” of doing.  However, we believe it is a necessary step to free up resources and, hopefully, lead to more robust Men’s Ministry in the future.  We also hope Clubs will continue undaunted in their local activity that brings such joy and fulfillment to their members.  We trust you will support us, and pray for us as we go through this transition.

You are welcome to send me your comments and questions.

Yours As One That Serves,

John Cooke, National President

Blog Entry re Suspension Activities Nov 2017.doc

The National AOTS Biennial Convention & Central Region Round-up 2017

April 21-23, 2017

Invitation 
As One That Serves (AOTS) invites all interested men and women to participate in the Biennial Convention & Central Region Roundup. We have chosen an interesting theme, “Challenging Times Ahead”, to be the focus of discussion and chit chat. The weekend is an opportunity to renew and acquire new friendships, engage in thought provoking discussion, enjoy music and worship, and consider the future of the Church.

We are continuing with the 2016 format recognizing the realities of operating a conference designed for approximately 40 people.

• We are conducting workshops and utilizing our own resources rather than inviting a theme speaker.
• The Conference will end at 11:15 AM on Sunday. Sunday Lunch is available as an option. 

We recognize the need to be flexible, recognizing some people may not be available for the entire conference.

• A Saturday only rate is available. 
• Contact the Registrar if you have other time limitations. He will try to accommodate your needs.

Conference Theme: Challenging Times Ahead 
Challenging Times Ahead – the future seems to be clouded by uncertainties that cause us anxiety and even withdrawal. Our real challenge is to look forward with positive energy, optimism and engagement.

Program 
Friday Evening Film 
Night We are screening Over 18, a feature documentary designed to combat pornography addiction among children and teens. The film will educate us on the porn industry and offer suggestions to prevent our children and grandchildren from being exposed to pornography. The screening will be followed by time for discussion.

Saturday Workshops 

• Canada’s Refugees - How are they doing now with a year or more in their new country? 
• How Do You Feel About The Trump Era? - What should we expect? How should we react? 
• Alcohol and Gaming in the Church - What are you doing? What are the issues and concerns? 
• Privilege and Whiteness - What are the benefits to those of us who are white. 

The National AOTS Biennial Meeting 
The central topic will be the proposed future direction for the National Executive.

Saturday Evening Encounter with Bri-anne Swan 
Bri-anne Swan is the newly appointed Pioneer Minister for Living Waters Presbytery. This is an opportunity to hear about Bri-anne’s mandate, offer our insights and enjoy her artistic talent.

Sunday Worship Service Leader: Rev Maurice Francis

Music: Jim Wicks

Convention Application and Pricing

Please contact the Registrar ASAP so we can confirm attendance at JPCC
e-mail the Registrar Paul Cooper

2016 AOTS Central Region Round-up

The National AOTS

Central Region Round-up 2016

The Salvation Army Jackson’s Point Conference Centre
1890 Metro Road North, Jackson’s Point, ON
April 15 – 17, 2016

** Here is the 2016 Central Region Round-up Registration Form **

Invitation to Participants

As One That Serves (AOTS) invites all interested men and women to participate in the Central Region Roundup.
We have chosen a challenging and interesting theme, “I Wonder”, to be the focus of discussion and chitchat. The weekend is an opportunity to renew and acquire new friendships, engage in thought provoking discussion, enjoy music and worship, and consider the future of the Church.

New for 2016 Round-up:

We made a few changes to the Conference based on input from recent year’s critiques and the realities of operating a conference designed for approximately 40 people.

• We are conducting workshops and utilizing our own resources rather than inviting a theme speaker.
• The Conference will end at 10:45 AM on Sunday. Lunch is available on Sunday; but only as an optional choice on the registration form.

We recognize the need to be flexible, recognizing some people may not be available for the entire conference:

• A Saturday only rate is available.
• Contact the Registrar if you have other time limitations. He will try to accommodate your needs.

Conference Theme: I Wonder

I Wonder – it’s a question that seems to be ever more urgent and a question that comes in many forms.

• I wonder about the future for my kids and grandchildren?
• I wonder what technology will mean for me?
• I wonder how the refugees will integrate into our Canadian society?
• And you can likely think of many more examples.

Program

Workshops
We are developing a program that will rely mostly on workshops to explore the theme in small group discussions and activities. Workshop topics and details will be made available as soon as possible.

Refugee Program Panel Discussion
Many Communities are engaged in settling refugees from the Middle East. It is an endeavor that requires money and a lot of helpers. It is also an endeavor laced with joys and challenges. Some of own members are involved in this work and we have asked them to participate in a panel discussion to share their observations and experiences. We encourage everyone to ask the panel questions and participate in the discussion.

UC Comprehensive Review Process

The General Council Executive is developing the next steps as a follow-up to the Comprehensive Review Process.
Jim McKibbin, a member of General Council Executive, will present to us a brief overview of the process the Church will take going forward to remit.

Sunday Worship Service Leader: Rev. Maurice Francis

Music and Entertainment: Jim Wicks and Dave Ashdown 

** Here is the 2016 Central Region Round-up Registration Form **

Please contact the Registrar ASAP so we can confirm attendance at JPCC
e-mail to spcooper@cogeco.ca or tel. 519-542-9237

The National AOTS Biennial Convention and The Central Region AOTS Round-up 2015

The Salvation Army Jackson’s Point Conference Centre

1890 Metro Road North, Jackson’s Point, ON

April 17 – 19, 2015

Invitation to Participants

As One That Serves (AOTS) invites all interested men and women to participate in the organization’s Roundup Convention centred around theme Patriarchy, Fatherhood and the Church. The weekend is an opportunity to acquire new friendships, engage in thought provoking discussion, enjoy music and worship, and shape the future of men in the church. 

Conference Theme: Patriarchy, Fatherhood and the Church

What is patriarchy and is this the way it is supposed to be? What does the Bible say about this?  Jesus? What is the difference between mothers and fathers? Where did the male God come from?  And what do we know about the origins of fatherhood, motherhood?


Theme Speaker:  Michael Kooiman
Michael is the minister of Central United Church in Weston. Located in one of Toronto’s thirteen Priority Neighbourhoods, Central balances the needs of an historic congregation (1821) and the poverty that surrounds it.  Michael is active in the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre, a community drop-in centre that provides meals, informal counseling and harm reduction services.

Since he began in ministry in 1990, Michael has served the Bathurst Pastoral Charge, near Perth, ON, St. Matthew’s in Toronto, and Cliffcrest and Birchcliff Bluffs, both located in Scarborough.  In 2004-05, Michael was the President of Toronto Conference.  Educated at York and Queen’s, Michael also completed a Doctor of Ministry in preaching at Chicago Theological Seminary.

Michael is the Coordinator of the Ministry of Supervision program at Emmanuel College, preparing those who seek to supervise ministry-based students in all forms.  Michael is an active consultant with the Edge Network for Ministry Development, specializing in building issues and congregational outreach.  He was also an Emerging Spirit presenter, leading over 30 workshops from Halifax to Regina.  In 2011, he was the General Editor of “Faith in a Time of Change,” a collection of Emerging Spirit blogs (available through UCPH).

Michael is currently the President of the Toronto United Church Council, and is passionate about Council’s mission to provide support and leadership in the areas of congregational development, mission strategy, social ministry and church camping.

Saturday Entertainment: Cara Chisolm

Cara is an entertainer as well as a vocalist.  Her performance will include a wide range of music based on gospel, country, musical theatre and sing-along.

Cara brings to the stage more than 20 years in the entertainment business. Versatility has been the key to her success. Her experience includes cabaret performer at major conventions, live theme park stage shows (Canada’s Wonderland & Ontario place), major musicals (42nd Street, the original Canadian Company of Les Miserables,  Phantom of the Opera, Gypsy, and Big River), cruise line productions, London west end theatre, motion pictures, and television.  She has also been a member of the Juno nominated children's group, Jam Sandwich for the past six years.

Conference Chaplin: Rev Dwain Ketcheson

Rev. Dwain Ketcheson was called to ministry with the people of Mountainview United Church on July 1st, 2012.  Dwain came to Mountainview having served at Southminster United Church in Niagara Falls, Memorial United Church in St. Catharines, and the Wadena Pastoral Charge consisting of Wadena, Rose Valley and Archerwill United Churches in Saskatchewan.

Dwain earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Trent University in Peterborough and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Queen’s University in Kingston; he was ordained in 1997.  Dwain continues to grow in faith through his ministry to, and with people and by attending various continuing education events.

Dwain believes that congregational life should be such that a church is not an island within its surrounding community, but rather a vital part of it.  Church therefore is not only an exciting and uplifting place to be one day a week, but rather seven days a week, as it reaches out into the community and the world through its various ministries.  It is the ministry of Mountainview to be such a church.     

Dwain believes that all people are called into ministry, and one of the greatest joys of his ministry is to, as he says, “Minister to the ministers – the people of the church and help them to discover, develop and put into action their gifts for ministry.  It is an awesome thing to see people blossom into what God created them to be!”   

Dwain lives in St. Catharines with his wife Colleen and together they have two children who are in university. During his leisure time Dwain enjoys golfing, cycling, curling and a variety of activities with his family.

Registration Information and Fees: 
Regular Occupancy:
Double $215. Single $265

First time attendee:
Double $165. Single $215

Youth Rate:
Double $120. Single $165

Saturday only: (includes lunch, supper and entertainment): $40
(please register between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. on April 18th) 

Registration Package

All registration information or concerns should be directed to:
Paul Cooper spcooper@cogeco.ca

Theme has been chosen for the AOTS Spring Roundup/National Biennial

Patriarchy, Fatherhood and the Church

From the The Jacksons Point Conference Centre Website

What is patriarchy and is this the way it is supposed to be?  What does the Bible say about this.  Jesus? What is the difference between mothers and fathers?  Where did the male God come from?  And what do we know about the origins of fatherhood, motherhood?  The next AOTS Spring Roundup will examine this theme.  Everyone welcome.

April 17th to 19th, 2015
Jacksons Point Conference Centre: Situated on the shores of Lake Simcoe JPCC is the hidden gem of York Region and is renowned for its atmosphere and hospitality

AOTS Spring Roundup and National Biennial (2015)

April 17th to 19th, 2015

Salvation Army Jackson Point Conference Centre

1890 Metro Road North, Jacksons Point,


Patriarchy, Fatherhood and the Church

What is patriarchy and is this the way it is supposed to be?  What does the Bible say about this.  Jesus? What is the difference between mothers and fathers?  Where did the male God come from?  And what do we know about the origins of fatherhood, motherhood?  The next AOTS Spring Roundup will examine this theme.  Everyone welcome.

Michael Kooiman is the minister of Central United Church in Weston, Ontario.  Located in one of Toronto’s thirteen Priority Neighbourhoods, Central balances the needs of an historic congregation (1821) and the poverty that surrounds it.  Michael is active in the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre, a community drop-in centre that provides meals, informal counseling and harm reduction services, including a needle exchange.

Since he began in ministry in 1990, Michael has served the Bathurst Pastoral Charge, near Perth, Ontario, St. Matthew’s in Toronto, and Cliffcrest and Birchcliff Bluffs, both located in Scarborough.  In 2004-05, Michael was the President of Toronto Conference.  Educated at York and Queen’s, Michael also completed a Doctor of Ministry in preaching at Chicago Theological Seminary, with a thesis entitled “Finding Metaphor in Context: Exploring the Generative Capacity of Metaphor for Preaching.”

Active in teaching and consulting, Michael is the Coordinator of the Ministry of Supervision program at Emmanuel College, preparing those who seek to supervise ministry-based students in all forms.  Michael is an active consultant with the Edge Network for Ministry Development, specializing in building issues and congregational outreach.  He was also an Emerging Spirit presenter, leading over 30 workshops from Halifax to Regina.  In 2011, he was the General Editor of “Faith in a Time of Change,” a collection of Emerging Spirit blogs (available through UCPH).

Michael is currently the President of the Toronto United Church Council, and is passionate about Council’s mission to provide support and leadership in the areas of congregational development, mission strategy, social ministry and church camping. 

Other times you will find Michael aboard his big brother’s sailboat, Loyalist IV, or at the cottage, or at home with partner Carmen Palmer.  Michael is dad to Hazel and Isaac, and Opa to Hudson and Elliot.

HELP WANTED

The AOTS Men are looking for an enthusiastic person that would be willing to donate their time to be the editor of the AOTS newsletter (The Handshake).

The issues don’t have to be as extensive as previous versions we are really looking for a newsletter that we can share what the AOTS National is doing across Canada and what some of the clubs in other conferences are doing. Just something to help bring our Clubs closer together.

If you are at all interested or just want to help out please contact the us at info@aots.ca.

Check out The Handshake (National Newsletter) webpage at http://www.aots.ca/handshake.htm

AOTS Central Region Spring Roundup 2014 (May 2, 3, 4)

Central Region 2014
(May 2, 3, 4)

WHERE
Jackon's Point Salvation Army Conference Centre, 
1890 Metro Road North, Jackson’s Point, ON. L0E 1L0.
(905) 722-3501
jpcc@sallynet.org

FAITH, DROP-FORGED
It seems as if the church today is in a fitful freefall. Through several engaging workshops that draw on story and music, Rev. Ted will challenge us to identify ways in which our faith is being refined and re-defined. We may yet discover that the church's freefall is a kind of drop-forging, into which God is inviting us to step with fear and with faith. Expect to laugh, expect to sing, expect to be challenged.

THEME SPEAKER

Ted Harrison was ordained in the year 2000, when he began serving churches in northern Ontario. He's since earned his Doctor of Ministry degree. He's a part of the ministry team at Trinity United Church in North Bay. Ted is deeply involved with Manitou Conference, serving as its President from 2011 through 2013. Ted has real passion for Christian worship, with a focus on relevant and dynamic preaching that draws on scripture, humour, and music. Ted is also a trained spiritual director. Ted reads a lot. He loves jogging, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and he plays cowbell in a rock band (No, really!). Unfortunately, Ted always misses meeting the varied superheroes who have led late-October worship services at Trinity. Ted has two daughters, Eve and Erin, who he thinks are exceptionally brilliant children! Ted is married to Caroline, who is a hospital physiotherapist and a part-time sermon critic.

CONFERENCE CHAPLAIN

Rev Ted Grady lives with Zaccheus who keeps him busy and offers wonderful companionship in his ministry. Zaccheus is a golden retriever pup.

Ted grew up in Islington United Church, where he worked for almost 17 years as a weekend Sexton and 9 of those years as building manager. He was ordained in May 2012 and answered a call to Knox United Church in Sutton.

He continues to pursue his passion for music playing bass guitar in a band he has been a part of for 22 years.


ENTERTAINMENT

Heavenly Host
Chris Mogan: Piano/V ocals
Brenda McLay: Piano/V ocalsfPercussion
Marcel MacDonald: Bass/Guitar/V ocals
Darlene Laferriere: Vocals
Ted Harrison: Vocals/Harmonica/More Cow Bell
Matthew Whitehead: DrumslPrecussion
Pat O'Kane: Rhythm GuitarN ocals
Bryan Moore: Lead GuitarN ocals
Jen Hedican: Violin


WORKSHOPS

Bill Clark on Drugs and Alcohol
Dave McKenney on 'Fire' Retrofitting a Church

Download the Registration Form

Why Support National AOTS Financially?

Why support National AOTS financially ?

Consider what a club or individual can do to help support these needs, not so much what do we get.

The United Church of Canada AOTS Men's Clubs National Council provides the following services: 

1) Help maintain National AOTS projects 

We  have made an initiative for 2013-2016, that 100% of the cub members dues ($15/member) goes to support the Camp Improvement Project. All of the other things below are funded by volonteers or through donations to the Second Mile Fund.

• "Observer on Tape" to visually impaired persons run by the Eastminster United Church in Belleville Ontarrio.

• 
  
• Music Bursary - encourage youth with bursaries
   
• Harry Colnett Award - Bursary to Agriculture students 
• 
  

Some of the very successful past National AOTS projects are:

Hospital project - assist with education or other for medical staff in needy and remote areas Eastern, Central, and Western regions receive separate funds annually 

•  
•  

2) "The Handshake" magazine, postage and copying costs 

3) National Club's Member recognition

• DR Poole Award
• David Sherwood Award
• Don Williams Award
• Presidents Award
• Life Member Award

4) Support the National Office provides:

Spiritual Life Handbook (Devotionals) copying & distribution Club support materials, pins, decals, cards, etc Handbooks, Pamphlets, Forms, Bylaws Club and Individual member mailing lists Publicity of events such as Biennial Conventions, Awards Assistance in maintaining web site: www.aots.ca Staff support to all Council members, National, Conference, & Committee

5) Support travel costs:

Support travel costs of volunteer Council members to meetings, Conferences Roundups, & Clubs National representation to the United Church of Canada

Why be Affiliated With AOTS?

While any organized men’s group can be an effective instrument of the church, the AOTS club expands this definition. Just as a church would be incomplete in its ministry if it functioned solely for itself and by itself, an individual men’s group may not be rising to it’s true potential either. Through AOTS, clubs can join forces with other like-minded groups at the community, regional, and national level.

The National Association helps amplify the voice of the laity in the total life and work of the Church. It provides a regular exchange of information and ideas through it’s newsletter (The Handshake), website (www.aots.ca), and various other literature and resource materials. It encourages interaction between clubs through the “Travelling Gavel/Cross” programmes and through involvement in regional rallies and retreats. 

How Does a Club Get Started?

It begins with one man of faith recognizing the need, and then discussing his interests with others in his church. A group of like-minded individuals can gather in an informal way for dinner or breakfast, for spiritual fellowship, to work together on an outreach project, or conduct a lay ministry within the church. This is the foundation of an AOTS club.

Consider the benefits of becoming part of the National Association of AOTS Men’s Clubs. Talk to your minister about it. Invite an AOTS representative to come and describe his involvement in the national association and discuss the operation and activities of his local club.

Individuals can also join the National Association without having to belong to a club. This category of membership allows men who live far away from the nearest active club to become involved in many regional and national activities of the AOTS. 

Please think about being a part, or have your Churches Men's Club be affiliated to the National Association of AOTS Men's Clubs. For more information please contact us at info@aots.ca or go to the AOTS Membership page.

Central Region AOTS ROUND-UP 2014

Central Region AOTS ROUND-UP 2014 

(NEW DATES) May 2, 3 and 4 

Please mark your Calendar and Plan to attend 

we have a speaker and some entertainment and some workshops 

More in the new year............................. 

Manitou Conference Planning Committee 

Keeling Little kb.little@cogeco.ca (705) 476-1126 

The Salvation Army Jackson's Point Conference Centre, 

1890 Metro Road North, 

Jackson 's Point, Ontario L0E 1L0 

905-722-3501 

jpcc@sallynet.org 

The 2013 Biennial is History

We met in Newfoundland this year with small attendance but a great program. I thought I would review some of the changes that National has initiated at the biennial and previously this year.

1. The most significant change has been the creation of a Camp Improvement                  

    Project. This provides grants to any  camp providing youth programs for capital  

   projects. The first year grants totaled $15000 and have been awarded to four  

   camps. The details of these awards are on the aots.ca website.

   

    The new project is funded from current donations and funds donated to the 

    second mile  project in past.

2. Membership fees have been suspended for the next three years. Clubs are 

    encouraged to send donations to the new Camp Improvement Fund in lieu of 

    dues. We are hoping Clubs will recognize the value of the new program and

    donate at least as much as the past dues amount with the knowledge that the 

    money is all going direct to a great cause..

3. Camping is the main interest of AOTS members so we are taking steps to 

     concentrate our efforts in this area. We have been administering two bequest 

     funds-- Youth to Camp and Harry Colnett Scholarship fund. These will be 

     cancelled and the funds in the bequest applied to the Camp Improvement Fund

     or in other appropriate areas.

4. Constitution changes have been made to allow limited participation by Ladies in

    Clubs.

5.  The Executive elected or appointed for the 2013-2015 period is:

President                   Jim Upright, Victoria BC

Past President            David Morris,  Tillsonburg Ontario

President Elect           Gary Ross, Lewisporte Newfoundland

Treasurer                    Marvin Bildfell, Sarnia, Ontario

Eastern Vice Pres       Derek White, Lewisport Noefoundland

Central Vice Pres.       John Cooke, Sarnia, Ontario

Western Vice Pres.      Bill Love, Calgary, Alberta

Members at large:

      Eastern                 Ernie Paddock, Newfoundland

      Central                  Not named yet

      Western                David Adams, Newfoundland

We are continuing to use the website aots.ca as our prime means of communicating with Clubs and members and encourage you to make this known to you fellow members. 

Donations to the Camp Improvement project have been received from a number of Clubs, and I hope those who have not yet donated will consider a generous gift before year end. The camps serving our youth are an important resource and deserve our support!

Biennial “Men in the Church” Workshop Examines a Number of Contemporary Issues

Several topical theological issues were examined in a stimulating workshop conducted by Jim McKibbin at the 28^th National AOTS Biennial Convention held in August in Gander, Newfoundland.

The 20 participants in the interactive workshop engaged in several lively discussions on a wide range of topics including: the concept of Father God, the history of patriarchy in the church, the importance of inclusive language, sex and gender, homophobia and the possibility of an Olympic boycott.

In his presentation for the workshop McKibbin contrasted two different theological perspectives to church work.  “The Reverend Pat Robertson head of the Christian Television Network speaks of a God that is active in the world.  Reverend Robertson once warned the city of Orlando that they risked hurricanes and possibly a meteor if Disney World went ahead with gay days. Reverend Robertson has made many statements about what God does or does not want.  But suffice it to say that the theology says that if you don’t follow God that God will interfere in the world.  The question then becomes how do we tell what God is doing and what God is not doing?  Where is God interfering in the world?  Why is God not interfering there?  And how do we know?  For the Christian Right seeking answers to these questions demonstrates a lack of faith.  Faith for them means wedding doctrine to literalism.”  

After reading a passage from the first chapter of Isaiah McKibbin continued, “Are Isaiah and Pat Robertson saying the same thing?  Are they on the same page?  Are they the same kind of prophet?  Or is Isaiah talking about something else?  Is Isaiah talking about the natural consequences of turning away from the path of God and following instead the path of kings and rulers?”

The central question he posed was “Is the United Church a church of belief or a church of faith in action” and which one is preferable? Workshop participants agreed that the United Church was more a church of faith in action than anything else. 

“And this makes us different from other faith groups – certainly different from the Christian Right” said McKibbin. 

“Like the prophets for us believing is not enough.  As a matter of fact some of our critics say we don’t believe in anything.  They usually cite a litany of complaints from father God to virgin birth.  And they’re right because we don’t require people to believe in either.  Our theology is discerned through faith in action.” 

Workshop participant, Reverend Wilson Gonese, a member of the church’s Comprehensive Review Task Group emphatically agreed.  “Yes, faith in action”, he said. 

On the question of Father God most participants agreed that the use of inclusive language was important.  At the same time as former AOTS president Ernie Paddock stated it was important to recognize the Lord’s Prayer as an exception to this rule.

Opinion was evenly divided about an Olympic boycott.  Marvin Bildfell of Grace United, Sarnia and AOTS treasurer wholeheartedly supported the boycott.  Former president George Bishop of Trinity United, Newmarket supported protest action but felt that boycotts do not work. 

All in all participants thoroughly enjoyed the practical theological discussions.  McKibbin closed the session by encouraging everyone to investigate and support an initiative developed by eminent theologian Karen Armstrong and the Charter of Compassion.  

AOTS National Spring News Update

Central Region just had a very successful Roundup at Jackson's Point. We had a dynamic and enthusiastic lady minister as speaker and discussion leader on the subject of "What's Next". I detected a mood of enthusiasm and optimism. Clubs are trying out new ideas.

 For example, Trinity North Bay purchased dark blue jackets with the AOTS crest printed on them and offer to arrange to supply jackets to any other club wanting to have them. Contact is Bill Brownlee, wbrownlee@sympatico.ca. They also are spearheading a campaign to label all liquor containers warning of the dangers of drinking while pregnant. This is in support of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder group. Other Clubs are having some success in working with other groups in the church and including youth in activities.

There was expression by some members that they were not getting information which I had sent out to each Club representative at year end. I hope you are passing the information here along to your members. This letter and the website are our only means of communication to Clubs so we need your help in this. Maybe you could copy this and give copies out at your meetings.

John Cooke is a Member at Large of National and he presented  the bylaw changes which have been approved. They involve inclusion of ladies in Clubs and suspension of dues for three years in lieu of donations to the Camp Improvement Fund. Info on these is on the website. 

There was enthusiastic response to the new Camp Improvement Project presented by myself. Nationally, it looks like some Clubs which have withdrawn support may return to the AOTS because of this initiative. Hopefully Clubs will  initiate discussion with informal men's groups in their area and encourage them to support the project and maybe become active in AOTS as a result. There has been a generous response from some clubs to date and I encourage those who have not contributed to date to do so. We are granting $15000 this year and I would like to see enough donations to let us donate $20000 next year.

There have been three Camp Improvement grants made to date. $3000 to Wellman Lake Camp near Flin Flon Manitoba and $5,000 to Five Oaks Education and Retreat Center in Brantford for snowblower/mower units. A third grant is to Loon Bay UC Camp near Gander, Newfoundland for 20 mattresses. This Camp is being revived  and they needed 20 new ones to replace those condemned by the Health Authority. A couple of pictures of the project purchases are attached. 

Wellman Lake snowblower

Five Oaks 

mower purchase

An individual club would not provide grants of this amount. We are making a difference by pooling money from many clubs! 

I hope you will remind your Club members of the Biennial in Newfoundland in August. All details are on the website aots.ca. A good old Newfoundland party is ensured!

Sent by Marvin Bildfell

AOTS National Camp Improvement Project

The National AOTS initiated the Camp Improvement Project in 2012 to support Canadian not-for-profit camps that offer youth camping programs as part of their mission. The project goal is to provide financial grants targeted to improving campfacilities and/or equipment. Support from The National AOTS, we hope, will assist camps in achieving their mission as it relates to youth camping.

The National AOTS is an association of Men’s Clubs in the United Church of Canada. The AOTS achieves its outreach through the projects and activities of both local clubs and the AOTS organization. One of the principle aims of the AOTS is:
To give encouragement and practical assistance to work among the youth of the church and community.

Please check back in the new year to see how we are going to make this National Project a reality.

National Executive Update From Minnedosa

The executive met in June in Minnedosa and I want to share some news from this with your club.

Most important--we have a new project! We have a long term relationship with camps and decided to build on this interest. The project will provide funding for Camp Capital Improvements up to $5000 per camp. Target amount would be $15000 per year and the first year will be funded from assets in existing General Funds.

A second part of this is a proposal to temporarily suspend dues in favour of a voluntary donation to this new fund. All income in 2013 and 2014 will go to this project in each of the following years. This is still subject to approval of a bylaw change by the Executive. Thus, a donation to the fund becomes the criteria for maintaining association with AOTS National. We hope clubs will embrace this idea and that their contribution would equal or exceed their current dues payment, knowing that all the money will go to a project. There will be a requirement that camps work with an active member of AOTS in requesting and implementing the grant. When finalized, the full details and grant application forms will be put on the AOTS website. This project will complement our existing Youth to Camp Fund which provides financial rewards for clubs sending the most youth to camp and is presented at each Biennial.


We also approved a change to allow some participation by the ladies and I will share the exact wording of this change on my next e-mail.

The Harry Colnett scholarship in the amount of $3000 will be presented to a University of Saskatchewan Veterinary student, Caitlyn Best from Powell River BC. The scholarship amount was increased this year due to the buildup of donations from clubs and failure to identify a recipient last year.

2013 is our next Biennial year and the meeting will be in Gander Newfoundland on August 14, 15 and 17. Check out the AOTS website for details and make your plans to join us on the ROCK next summer. This is your chance to have a vacation in this great part of Canada. Gary Ross, our Eastern VP recommends that you make plans and reservations early.

Please share this news with your Club members. An individual is limited in how much he can do, and a club working together can do more, but all the clubs working together can accomplish much more!

by Marvin Bildfell

We Need Your Articles for the Next Handshake Newsletter

We are looking for United Church Men from across the country to take a moment and write an article or let us know what their Church, AOTS Club or Men’s Group is doing in their area.


We are putting together the next addition of the National AOTS Newsletter “The Handsake” and we would like to have representation from all of the communities in Canada. We would also like to include some information on the website.


Please send your articles, stories and updates to the Handsake Editor Harold Lorenz or the AOTS Webmaster and we will make sure that people know about your area. Remember that no article is too short and we love hearing from you!

AOTS Honorary President Harry Wolfraim Passes Away at the Age of 86

Harry Wolfraim


If we are required in life to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God, let it be said that Harry Wolfraim did these things.

He taught us humility, certainly. We have seen it in action with him. His life was giving. He was the servant leader.

I remember the days of organizing Saturday church, men’s group meetings. We’d decide on some high falutin’, important topic. I’d produce a leaflet and Harry would market and promote it. When people came to the meeting he would give them all name tags. He’d lug boxes full of the church’s name tags out from the sanctuary, up the stairs and down the hall to the parlour. He’d give them out and create new ones for first-time people.

That was way too much work for me. Wasn’t it enough that I was going to moderate a discussion on a matter of great social and spiritual significance? I couldn’t worry about name tags. Besides sorting out these name tags cut into the discussion time.

But Harry persevered and I kept my mouth shut. And later on I was glad I did. I found out that making name tags had all sorts of wonderful ramifications; when one such Saturday attendee came to a Sunday service and found for themselves, their own name tag, already there. What a welcome and what a surprise!

Harry was good like that. He created instant community with people. He knew everyone. Everyone knew him. And everyone liked him. He took the time to be with people.

Mind you if you were a man that welcome and name tag might also have a membership form to As One That Serves (AOTS) stuffed inside it.

He was sometimes accused of trying to sign men up for AOTS the moment they walked in the church door.

His perseverance was a trademark. Some years ago we used to produce a variety show and dinner at the church. One year our MC passed away a few days before the event and a day or so later my mother died. I was out of commission. I briefly spoke to Harry about cancelling the show or at least postponing it. He would hear nothing of it. “The show must go on”, he said and on it went. He made sure of it. Life goes on and in the face of difficulties the Harry Wolfraim’s of the world step into the breach to make sure it does. It makes all the difference.

Harry always just kept going.

When I became president of AOTS in 2009 I asked Harry to act as Honorary President throughout my term. I could think of no one finer. I relied on his wisdom and advice.

He was great mentor for me. He taught me the importance of community over ideas. What was important for people was to be recognized, to be included, to be listened to, to be considered. In the final analysis the name tags were decisive. The topic was secondary.

Harry knew that. That’s where he lived - on Compassion Street – sometimes called 33 Cavendish.

And from where Harry’s famous voice mail instructions emanated!

Those of you who have called him only to get his voice mail may recall, “You have reached Harry Wolfraim at 416 694 4522. As usual, leave your name, phone number, date and time of day and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

To be sometimes followed by:

“And please be sure to leave your number even if you think I already may have it. I may be out and not have your phone number with me.”

He was nothing if not thorough.

But if hearing Harry’s personal voice mail was one thing, getting a voice mail from him was nothing other than reaching into sublime. The attention to detail, the sense of service, the presence of mission! No one could argue with his passion.

Every single second of the 7 minute voice mail he left you was chock full of information. Nothing was left out - except for those times when he remembered something right after he hung up in which case he’d phone again.

Sometimes he just simply ran out of time. He would actually announce, in the middle of a voice mail message that in light of the time constraints, he was going to hang up now and phone you right back and leave you part two of the message.

And his typewritten memos were to behold. The numerous minutes and newsletters and updates, all of his communications were completed on that typewriter!

He did so much. He was proof of real community, beyond what EMAIL and Facebook and Twitter provide.

It’s when I think of Harry and his typewriter that I think also of that icon of American folklore - John Henry, the steel-drivin’ man. For me, Harry had the strength and capacity of John Henry, who was so powerful in the race with the steam-powered hammer.

He persevered so valiantly and won the race against the machine.

Because his life means so much to us we set aside John Henry’s death. He put his all into it. His life was not unexamined. We celebrate that. So it is has been with Harry. He put his all into it. We are full of gratitude.

At the same time it wasn’t a race for Harry. Harry really wasn’t competitive at all. He was a consummate team player. He’d get the ball to the one yard line and then let you score the touchdown. He’d have the open net but he’d pass the puck.

He remembered his wife, Mae, often, the love of his life. He mentioned her always. When she died Harry just kept going. He embraced life.

Harry found it hard to say no to people. He was a soft touch. His softness was his strength. He was always there for people when people needed him – or even when they didn’t think they did – there’d be a birthday wish or a card or a phone call or a condolence. He’d catch people off guard and busy workaday secularism would melt away into an appreciation for how God moves among us.

It was several years after I met Harry that I learned he was a Tory. I was flabbergasted. With all apologies to Tory supporters everywhere I must confess that I actually did start to say to myself, “How can such a nice man…”

But I stopped and struggled to gain the insight I needed into my own bias. Harry had the power to teach without teaching.

Harry was a loyal and a good soldier. He was loyal to those around him. At the same time he didn’t allow his loyalty to interfere with his sense of compassion and mission and he called upon everyone to partake in that sense of life. That’s what was paramount to him. Compassion and church won out over politics - mine or anyone else’s.

Harry was a PK – a preacher’s kid and as a PK he grew up in church work and recognized its importance. He never stopped doing it. He never stopped, period. He had broad, merciful shoulders. He gave everywhere. He acted justly with others. He was fair-minded with everyone. And that, perhaps, is the hardest thing about acting justly – being impartial. Harry was that too.

He had a great loyalty to the church as well. He set aside his predilections on church to adopt and embrace the new and changing church.

He always supported the church throughout periods of difficulty and loss. He embraced the future. When we sponsored the Dondi drumming project Harry was front and centre at all our events, drumming away with great abandon as we raised money for a school in Angola.

He believed in the church and in the necessity for a community to have a spiritual base. That was his focus. He made an enormous contribution to the spiritual health and development of Beach United Church. For me Harry exemplified the scripture associated with AOTS and found in Luke 24:27 “But I am among you as one who serves.”

His presence will be greatly and deeply missed. His contribution will sustain us. His wisdom will continue to guide us. And his spirit of servant leadership will be with us forever. Thank you, Harry.

J
im McKibbin

Past-president, As One That Serves