The Vine
The Vine:
Connecting people, places and programs
Your concierge for congregational ministry
Are you looking for fresh ways to equip your church? Would you like to talk through an idea with a colleague? Do you need information about how the national Presbyterian church supports local congregational ministry?
The Vine can help!
We serve and support congregations and congregational leaders with the resources they’re looking for to feed faith, equip congregants, and nurture vibrant communities.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will connect you with people and resources that can enhance your congregational ministry.
Give us a call at 1-800-619-7301 x275 or e-mail us at thevine@presbyterian.ca.
What's new?
USB Key update available for download »
The 2010 update for the USB key given to new ordinands by The Vine is now available for download. If you'd like a USB key with useful PCC-related documents, you can order one through the Book Room for $15.00.
Partners 2010 Resource
Partners in Possibility: Doing God's Work Together, A Mission Learning/Sharing Experience for Children and Youth is now available for download.
One of the ways that The Presbyterian Church in Canada responds to the Lord’s commandments is by carrying out the mission of the church through partnerships with other churches around the world. This resource will introduce participants to some
of our international partners and help them see our interconnectedness.
This resource has been designed to be used with children and youth from six to 12 years old. With some adaptation, it can also be used with older ages and with intergenerational groups.
Equipping Elders resource
This PDF contains the resource Equipping Elders, a compilation of For Elders and Equipping for Elders publications that have been produced quarterly since 1997. In most cases the articles are copied directly into this resource; in other instances, they are edited or parts are selected and placed into appropriate sections.
Download the Equipping Elders PDF »
It is also available for purchase as a binder from the Book Room for $20.
Church Matters: A Board of Managers Handbook
This handbook was written primarily for members of the board of managers to help them understand their work in the church. However, ministers and members of session will also benefit from reading it.
Download Church Matters: A Board of Managers Handbook »
It is also available for purchase as a binder from the Book Room for $10.
Newest Equipping Resource now online at equippingfor.ca
The quarterly Equipping for... resource contains information for congregations on a variety of church-related topics. The full edition is now available at equippingfor.ca. Be sure to sign up for regular updates, delivered directly to your inbox.
Clergy Resources for Session Meetings and Retreats
Clergy Resources for Session Meetings and Retreats is a compilation of session
starters and workshops designed with the above questions in mind. These resources
have been selected from the For Elders and Equipping for Elders publications that
have been produced quarterly since 1997.
Download Clergy Resources for Session Meetings and Retreats »
It is also available for purchase as a binder from the Book Room for $20.
Christian Education
Curriculum Chart
This PDF contains the 2009-2011 Church School Curriculum Chart. It also lists resources for youth, adult, and family ministries, as well as profession of faith options.
Men's Breakfast Bible Study Placemats
These Bible study placemats written by John Congram will prompt great discussion over pancakes and sausage at your congregation's men's breakfast.
Note: These placemats are 11x17, and therefore may not be printable on all printers. Copies can be ordered through the Book Room (bookroom@presbyterian.ca; 800-619-7301) for $0.50 per placemat.
Opening Doors to Discipleship
Announcing a brand new course available now on Opening Doors to Discipleship!
Course “D” Discipleship joins the previous Opening Doors courses:
- Course A: Teaching Skills
- Course B: Bible Background
- Course C: Presbyterian/Reformed Faith
Opening Doors to Discipleship offers congregations FREE online volunteer training, leader development and faith formation for groups and individuals. Each online course has 12 sessions packed with engaging life stories, solid biblical material, and opportunities for group and individual reflection. Contact The Vine to receive your Presbyterian Church in Canada login number.
Teacher/Leader Courses
Teacher/Leader Courses (TLC) are workshops led by experienced facilitators who are rooted in a congregational setting. The program is flexible, nation-wide, and now includes a new series of workshops on Congregational Development.
You pick the courses and help to coordinate the event. Together, you and the TLC Advisory Team identify leadership. You look after hospitality and invite at least 20 people...and away we go! Courses are structured to address both small and large settings. They may be held anywhere in Canada at any time of the year.
Other CE links
Congregational Development
- Congregations in Transition - a resource with information on undergoing general transitions, opening a congregation, clustering, merging, amalgamating, resizing, and renewing and closing
- Natural Church Development (NCD) information
- congregational development programs
- TLC Congregational Development Stream - Teacher/Leader Courses (TLC) are workshops led by experienced facilitators who are rooted in a congregational setting. The program is flexible, nation-wide, and includes a new series of workshops on Congregational Development.
Evangelism
- links to Evangelism Connections
- a wide collection of evangelism resources
- resources on growing a hospitable church
- sharing faith through storytelling
Leading with Care
- support from a national resource person
- copies of the policy
- checklists for presbyteries and synods
Funds
- The Creative Children and Youth Ministry Fund Application form - This fund assists PCC congregations sponsoring groups in planning new one-time or on-going ministry projects within Canada.
- Worship & Liturgy Fund Application form - The Worship and Liturgy Trust Fund was established to encourage and assist persons who are committed to improving their knowledge and skills as leaders in worship in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
- Bursary Fund for Lay Training Application form - This bursary fund has been established to provide financial assistance for lay people of The Presbyterian Church in Canada to receive short term training, instruction and enrichment for Christian service.
- Conference Fund Application form - The Conference Fund of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, which assists sponsoring groups in running small or larger conferences within Canada.
Worship
- services for special days
- baptism and communion resources
- online worship planners
- Prayer Partnership
- Worship in Long Term Care Settings: and especially persons with Alzheimer's disease/Dementia
- Worship & Liturgy Fund - The Worship and Liturgy Trust Fund was established to encourage and assist persons who are committed to improving their knowledge and skills as leaders in worship in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.