Our Vision Statement

The purpose of Newcastle United Church is to bear witness to the presence of God in the world. We understand this to meant that as followers of Christ, we are called to be a worshipping and learning, receiving and giving community of faith, hope and love.

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

This ministry group is responsible for the spiritual growth and needs of the congregation and adherents through their work in the church services, Christian education, music, and care of the sanctuary and its furnishings. The Session meets regularly and assists with Holy Communion, the Sacrament of Baptism, delivers the church newsletter, and visits with the people in their districts.

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 with care and discernment so we receive the maximum return on our investments. The Special Gifts Fund has disbursed over $250,000 recently for the hall renovation project, the church roof re-shingling,  and the bell tower restoration.

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 included Strawberry Sundae Sunday, corn roast, roast beef dinner, Sunday of Good Cheer, St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, cheese campaigns and crock-pot dinners.

The United Church Women

We have a very active U.C.W. group, which is open to all ladies of the congregation. The U.C.W. meetings are held the second Monday evening of each month except July and August. Teams of 3 ladies plan each meeting and they have been very creative!

The U.C.W. also provides cards and flowers to shut-ins at various times during the year, cater to church member funerals and special birthdays. They also participate in the World Day of Prayer service and U.C.W. Presbyterial and hold a special U.C.W. service annually.

Ministry & Personnel Committee

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

Mission & Outreach 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. Each month, our congregants collect items and donate money for the Clarington East Food Bank. Our minister sits on their board and members of our church volunteer time at our local 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 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.