In the United Church, the local congregation — comprising all members and adherents — has authority and responsibility in mission, faith and financial issues. The Official Board, Stewards Committee, and Board of Trustees are elected by the congregation of Metropolitan United at the Annual General Meeting, usually in March.
The Official Board acts on behalf of the congregation and all operational issues come before it.
The Committee of Stewards educates the congregation on the funds needed for the mission of the church and encourages commitment and participation from the congregation in this mission.
The Board of Trustees legally holds the title to the property, on behalf of the United Church of Canada. They oversee the investment of all designated bequests and ensure that the building is insured and in good repair.
The ministers are not members of the local congregation but chosen by it then placed in it by the Regional Council, where their membership rests, and to whom they are accountable. The call to a minister is without time limit, but the congregation is able to ask the Regional Council for a change of pastoral relations should the need arise.
Our Governance
There must be an Annual General Meeting to review the programs and financial operations of the church. This meeting usually occurs within three months after the New Year, allowing for the gathering of program reports and audited financial statements.
Congregational meetings are held, as required, to receive and review information or make decisions brought forward by the Official Board. These meetings are called by the Chair of the Board and require at least three weeks notice, both verbal and written. Sufficient information in advance of such meetings is shared. All church members may vote. At the beginning of any congregational meeting, voting privileges may be extended to adherents as well.
Our Pillars
From 2012 to 2015, Metropolitian embarked on a visioning process that defined four key areas of our mission:
SPIRITUAL LEARNING FOR LIFE
- Share spiritual learning among the congregation and with the community by providing a variety of programming for all ages/life stages that responds to needs and interests
- Expand our range of communication strategies to build and sustain engagement
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
- Develop a systematic approach to congregational care that includes spiritual nurturing; social engagement; holistic health; and membership development, monitoring, and support
- Make the Metropolitan experience warm, inviting, and supportive as it meets the needs of newcomers, adherents, and members
OUTREACH
- Collaborate with community partners to ensure the best provision of support services
- Become a community hub offering both programs and facilities
MINISTRY THROUGH THE ARTS
- Engage people of all ages through the arts by becoming "an artistic town square"
- Build a comprehensive program of arts events/experiences supported by partnerships that bring new events and people to our space
Our Relation to the United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada guides the operation of all United Church congregations in the country. The Denominational Council establishes policy and sets mandatory governance principles for all. It meets every three years and reviews the manuals we use. Each congregation is accountable to the Denominational Council. For Metropolitan United, this link is made through the Shining Waters Regional Council. All Ministers and some lay members from our congregation represent us there. They attend meetings to give and receive information, seek guidance, and obtain any necessary approvals. If we encounter problems beyond our ability, we ask for Regional Council oversight.
