Words from Forest Hill United Church (Beth Herrema, Chair of the Board and Trustee)
“The TUCC loan program is a wonderful support for congregations who need funding for a capital project. The application process is easy to understand. The staff respond quickly and guide you through the process. If funds are required on an urgent basis, TUCC will do its best to expedite the process while still ensuring the important requirements are followed. It is a joy to deal with a faith-based organisation to obtain funding as they understand the needs and goals of churches and work to support the churches in a fiscally responsible way.”
Words from the United Church of Canada Korean Network
“On behalf of the United Church of Canada Korean Network (The UCCan KN), we are
pleased to report to you on the successful, meaningful and inspiring 2025 General Meeting
of The UCCan KN. This gathering took place at Willowdale-Emmanuel United Church in
North York (349 Kenneth Ave) in Toronto, from Tuesday, May 13th to Thursday, May 15th.
Many Korean clergy and lay people came from across Canada. They shared memories and visions, discussed the past, the present and the future of the Koreans in United Church of Canada. In this meeting, we also found spiritual identity both as Koreans and as members of the United Church
Without your assistance, [from the Davenport Interest Fund] it would have been difficult to host this wonderful event. We wholeheartedly and deeply appreciate your care.“
UCC Korean Network
Words from Camp Scugog
TUCC,
Thank you to the entire Toronto United Church Council for once again seeing all the good that comes out of Camp Scugog and its mission. Your long-time support is the reason Camp Scugog has become the institution of community in the lives of the families we serve. We’re grateful to continue with TUCC by our side to provide incredible outdoor experiences to children, youth and families.
Thank you.
Your friends at Camp Scugog
Words from Westbrook United Church
“We deeply appreciate your support, listening, and financial assistance. This video is our thank you, and it comes with our gratitude and a true Blessing.” Rev Margaret Rogers, Supply Minister Westbrook United Church.
Thanks to a grant from the Four Winds Development Corporation Extension Council Fund, which TUCC proudly stewards, Westbrook United Church received vital assistance to cover 2024 property taxes. This support helps them prepare for the amalgamation of two properties, ensuring a sustainable future free from additional tax obligations. We’re grateful to play a small part in supporting communities of faith like Westbrook United Church (in ECORC).
Words from Camp Scugog
To our friends at the Toronto United Church Council,
Thank you. Thank you for all that you do for Camp Scugog, your continued support, your belief in our purpose. Camp is a place children cherish well into adulthood and because of your help, we get to be that place for so many from underserved communities. That makes us proud of who we are and what we do, and neither of those things would be possible without you.
Thank you!
Your friends at Camp Scugog
*Pictured at right: on a recent visit to Camp Scugog, TUCC’s Daniel Reed and Scugog’s Executive Director Dana Leahey, posed by Scugog’s donor recognition wall.
Words from Gavin Keachie and Jessie Murphy (Camp Scugog)
Jessie Murphy (Assistant Director at Camp Scugog): “This past fall I got to attend the ICC conference in Spain. I was only able to do that through the funding given by the Toronto United Church Council through the James Baillie Fund and I am so grateful I got the opportunity to go. I learned so many new things while being at that conference. I attended sessions on topics such as stewardship, leadership, and nonprofit sustainability, and those were all knowledge and tricks that I was able to take back to my own camp. I not only attended sessions but I met so many like-minded people in the camping industry that share the same passion that I do and those are contacts I’m now going to have for the rest of my career. I can’t put into words how much this conference has impacted my life and how much I’m going to make sure that this conference impacts my camp’s life going forward.”
Gavin Keachie (Summer Camp Director at Camp Scugog): “I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to TUCC for the generous support they offered from the James Baillie Fund. Camp Scugog is working to make the camp world more equitable and at the international camp directors’ course and the Camping Congress I learned tools and skills that will help me offer the very best of camping to our kids, teens, and mums who might not otherwise have access to it. One of my main takeaways was a long discussion on intentionality, how each moment, game, and conversation can and should consciously build up the community. Your support has and will continue to build up Camp Scugog through the knowledge and passion that Jessie and I brought back.”
Words from Pam Lock
“I’m pleased to support the ongoing work of TUCC in creating resources for church development. Over the years, I personally benefited from learning about the challenges in church work that test the human spirit’s capacity for change and also from being nurtured by the collegial atmosphere of our meetings and events.
I think I chose my focus on church development because it represents our future as the United Church beyond our congregational aspirations and achievements I remember the energy at meetings of our Church Development Committee where sharing ideas stimulated questions of “what if” and often led to events and resources for trial experiences. I too remember our early efforts to mentor fledgling congregations trying new ways of being church in the 21st century. No dream seemed too audacious or impossible then.
I know that TUCC will continue to nurture the dreamers and their dreams and I hope that more individuals will offer their time and their energy to share in this work.”
Words from Don Hunter
“I have immensely enjoyed my 25 year association with TUCC.
I volunteered in 1999 based on a recommendation of a friend at Islington United and I’m glad I did! The purpose of TUCC that attracted me – to provide funding for new church development and to support those buildings in need of repairs and renovations – was important as that funding was not available from traditional sources.
After I came on board, I learned as well about the camps providing wonderful experiences to those who would otherwise be unable to afford a camp vacation. I have supported them financially ever since.
What started as my role of treasurer evolved into a term on the Board and then an even longer association with our investment portfolio to ensure the vision and generosity of the founders could continue and expand. I continued far longer than I imagined mainly because of the wonderful, stimulating people and staff I met along the way and I enjoyed the contrast to my work on Bay Street.
A particular highlight was to be involved in the creation of the Investing in Ministry Fund. It’s a great opportunity for any church to earn a good return as well as support other churches.
In summary, a great mission and very fulfilling work!”
Words from Ken Ramsay
“Over 30 years ago at a very challenging time in my life and the lives of my children, TUCC’s Camping Opportunities Fund was there for me and my family. I have never forgotten that act of support and generosity. I have now included, in my estate plans, a gift to TUCC and the Camping Opportunities Fund as a way to give back and do what I can to change the lives of others in the future.
In its over 130-year history, TUCC has always been there to take an individual’s or congregation’s generosity and put it into action to change the lives of others or help create the church of the future. TUCC is the best of the church! I experienced this firsthand. TUCC was there when I, and my children, needed them. I know that TUCC can do that for any of us and I am very thankful.”
