Our Vision Statement

Motivated by the love of Christ, Newcastle United Church strives to be a vibrant, welcoming, diverse and inclusive Community of Faith.

Our Mission Statement

Newcastle United Church’s mission is to live out God’s love through strengthening our faith, by encouraging kindness and hospitality, and learning to live out the presence of Christ in our lives.

The Official Board Model

Newcastle United Church follows the Official Board Governance Model.  The Official Board is responsible for all the operations of the church, spiritual, social, and material on behalf of the congregation. It is composed of:

• The Minister
• Chair of the Board
• Vice-Chair of the Board
• Board Secretary
• Church Treasurer
• Session
• Stewards Committee
• Trustee Representative
• Congregational Life Representative
• Ministry and Personal Committee Representative
• United Church Women Representative
• Regional Representatives

The Annual Congregational Meeting is held on a Sunday in early February each year following the worship service and lunch.

Session

Members of this ministry group are called the church elders. They are responsible for the spiritual care and worship life of the congregation. The Session oversees worship services, music within worship, the care for the Sanctuary space, Christian education such as children’s programming and bible study, pastoral care and connecting with the congregation through visits, phone calls and the church newsletter. The Session meets regularly and assists with the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Baptism and is also responsible for accepting new members into the congregation and approving requests for weddings.

Outreach & Inclusivity Committee

The work of our church is not limited to what goes on inside our sanctuary and hall. We are here to serve our community and beyond as well. On the last Sunday of each month, our congregation collects items and monetary donations for the Clarington East Food Bank.  Part of our congregation’s donations to the Mission & Service Fund help with several local projects – the Bowmanville Hospital Chaplaincy, Kids Help Line, women’s shelters, and men’s hostels. Each month a member of the committee shares a brief time during the worship service to bring us news from the work of the United Church locally and globally.

The Congregational Life Committee

On the last Sunday of the month, this committee invites everyone to remain following the worship service for a time of refreshment and fellowship during Coffee Plus. Each month this committee provides special extras – not just coffee, tea, juice, and cookies. You could walk through the doors and smell homemade soup, fresh fruit, home-baked bread – we just never know what they will surprise us with!

The Committee of Stewards

The Stewards are responsible for the financial health of the church and to create awareness of stewardship within our congregation. They meet regularly to review finances and plan fund-raising and fellowship activities.

Some of the activities spearheaded by the Stewards have included crock-pot dinners, a pancake supper, a chili cook-off, a pulled pork dinner, cheese fundraisers, and fundscript.

The Trustees

There are 2 committees within the Trustees.

Property: Members of the Property Trustees are responsible for the church and its properties. This includes the church sanctuary and hall on Emily and Mill St. South and surrounding land plus the overflow parking lot on Emily and Church Streets.

Investment and Finance: The mandate of the Investment and Finance Committee is the financial management of non-designated bequests received by our church.  This committee works diligently to ensure our monies are invested ethically and responsibly. In the past, the Special Gifts Fund has disbursed over $250,000 for the hall renovation project, the church roof re-shingling,  and the bell tower restoration.

Ministry & Personnel Committee

The M&P Committee serves as the liaison between the congregation and staff.

The United Church Women

We have an active UCW group, which is open to all women of the congregation. UCW meetings are held the second Monday afternoon of each month (except July and August) at 1:30 p.m.. Teams of two women plan each meeting and they have been very creative!

The UCW are very supportive of all activities in the congregation. They also are available to cater for lunches, be it following a celebration of life service or a special birthday. They provide leadership for the World Day of Prayer service that takes place the first Friday of March and attend UCW Presbyterial.

The Nominating Committee

Each year, these members hit the telephone lines to encourage our members to volunteer for our church’s group ministries. They are amenable to hearing from you at any time if you would like to learn about the opportunities available to help with the life and work of Newcastle United Church.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you’ve read about the functions of our Group Ministries and you’re interested in helping out on an as-needed basis or if you’d like to become a group ministry member, please e-mail the church office at office@newcastleunitedchurch.org