VAM Appointment Renewal – Spring 2026
What is it?
Each year, VAMs (Voluntary Associate Ministers) and the Community of Faith renew the appointment. This is then approved by the regional council.
When do we need to do this?
The forms must be submitted by July 1st, 2026. This will be for the July 2026-June 2027 Pastoral Year.
What is the process?
For 2026, we are introducing new online forms for VAM Appointment Renewal. There are two forms:
It is our hope and expectation that the online forms will be simpler for congregations, VAMs and regional staff. Please click on the links above to take a look at the forms. If you are using the online forms, please remember that both forms need to be submitted. Both are simple to use.
If you prefer to use the paper form, you can download the 2026 version here (ou en français ici!). You will need to print it and fill it out. You can then scan it and email it to Rev. Victoria Andrews (vandrews@united-church.ca).
If you want to use the paper form and do not have access to a scanner, no worries – you can mail the form (C/o Rev. Victoria Andrews, Pastoral Relations Minister, 347 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7).
What does the form require?
Before filling out the online forms or paper form, there are a few things to attend to:
a) The Governing Body of the Community of Faith, the VAM, and (if applicable) the Incumbent Minister will discuss the areas of responsibility for the VAM in the coming year. (The form to be completed by VAMs has more details of sample areas.)
b) Before filling in the form, the Community of Faith will need to pass the following motion:
“The Official Board/Unified Board/Council of ________________ Community of Faith
Has received assurance that the marriages performed
- will be a pastoral function under the oversight and discipline of the Regional Council, and
- will be properly registered in records maintained by a pastoral charge of UCC and will comply with the provincial requirements.
and approves the request of _________________(name of member of Order of Ministry)
To be recognized as a Voluntary Associate Minister of the Community of Faith.”
c) The VAM can review this form to see what information will be required (ex. mandatory trainings, marriage license number if applicable.)
Questions
If you have a question about the process, please contact Pastoral Relations Minister Rev. Victoria Andrews (vandrews@united-church.ca or 236-607-0203).