E-ssentials: Next General Secretary Appointed, the Moderator’s Orange Shirt Day Message, and more!

Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly Appointed as the New General Secretary [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]   We're pleased to share that The United Church of Canada has appointed Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly as the next General Secretary, effective January 1, 2027. Currently serving as Executive Minister for East Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario Outaouais, and Nakonha:ka Regional Councils, Rev. Hébert-Daly brings extensive experience in church leadership, strategic planning, and community development. A passionate advocate for a thriving and welcoming church, he has played a key role in shaping Toward 2035, our hope-filled strategy for a bolder future. Born to an Acadian family, Éric has roots in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. He will be the first Francophone to serve as General Secretary. We give thanks for the faithful leadership of Rev. Michael Blair, who will continue as General Secretary until December 31. Following a transition period in January 2027, he will retire, after more than six years of dedicated service in this critical leadership role. Please join us in congratulating Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly as he prepares to begin this new ministry of leadership and service. Read the news story Moderator's Orange Shirt and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Message [Video still credit: The United Church of Canada] For Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Moderator Rev. Kimberly Heath shares a personal reflection on participating in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony on Parliament Hill. In this message, Moderator Heath honours the children who never came home, recognizes the courage and resilience of survivors and their families, and acknowledges the ongoing impacts of residential schools and intergenerational trauma. She also reaffirms the church's commitment to walking the path of truth, justice, healing, and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. As we wear orange, may we remember, learn, and work together toward renewed relationships and lasting reconciliation. Watch and Share the Moderator's Message Join Us at the Next Cross Country Check-In [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]     Join the General Secretary, members of the General Council Executive, and the Moderator for a live conversation with people across the United Church. Listen, ask questions, put faces to names, and share perspectives that can help inform the church’s leadership and decision-making. Upcoming sessions: October 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET -English October 27, 2026 at 6pm ET - Français  November 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET -English Register on CHURCHx On World Communion Sunday, Consider How to Set the Table For All [Image credit: Courtesy of Tori Mullin] What might it mean for the church to truly reflect the richness and diversity of God’s people? Reflecting on a World Communion Sunday experience in Seoul, Rev. Tori Mullin invites us to imagine communion tables shaped by the many cultures, flavours, and traditions of our human family. As we look toward a United Church that is “inspired, resilient, and diverse,” she asks what we need to do within ourselves to help set that table. Read Rev. Tori Mullin’s full blog, Setting the Table for an Intercultural Church. This fall, Rev. Dr. Hyuk Cho will lead Becoming an Intercultural Church: Encountering God Across Cultures, a six-week online course exploring how communities of faith can move beyond simple "inclusion" and offer leaders ideas for practical applications of intercultural ministries in their own contexts. Read the full blog Register on CHURCHx for Becoming an Intercultural Church Church Legacies for People of African Descent Working Group Gathers in Montreal [Image credit: Adele Halliday]   The United Church’s Working Group on Church Legacies for People of African Descent gathered in Montreal from September 11–13 to explore possibilities for an apology for enslavement to people of African descent. The bilingual gathering included time for discernment, storytelling, worship, and reflection on anti-Black racism and the ongoing legacies of slavery. The group will also consider how congregations can engage with the United Nations’ Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034). The working group was formed following a decision at the 45th General Council and is expected to report to the 46th General Council in 2028. Read the full news story Call for Nominations! [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]   Can you envision General Council (2028) as a space of equitable participation and decision-making? Can you imagine how to make that happen? Are you a non-anxious presence in difficult situations? The General Council Equity Support team will help the General Council and its leadership teams live into the church’s equity commitments before and during the in-person meeting in St. Catharines.   Learn more about this and other volunteer opportunities. Deadline: Wednesday, October 14   Learn more about all opportunities to serve Mission and Service Stories: Breakfast Club [Image credit: Plymouth-Trinity United Church]   At Plymouth-Trinity United Church in Sherbrooke, QC, a simple Sunday morning breakfast is helping families feel welcome and connected. “Breakfast Club” began in 2025 to support families who sometimes struggled to arrive on time for worship. Today, 10–15 people gather each Sunday for breakfast and conversation. Congregation members, local businesses, and community partners contribute food and funds, with Mission and Service gifts helping sustain the program. More than a meal, Breakfast Club is creating community—bringing families, volunteers, and neighbours together around the table. Your gifts to Mission and Service help congregations respond to needs in their communities. Give generously. Read the Mission and Service story Worship Resources See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. Creation Time 4 - October 4, 2026 World Communion Sunday - October 4, 2026 Creation Time 5 - October 11, 2026 Thanksgiving Sunday - October 11, 2026 International Day for the Eradiction of Poverty - October 17, 2026 Twenty-first after Pentecost- October 18, 2026 World Food Sunday - October 18, 2026 For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca. Important Note: The images included in this newsletter are protected by copyright. While we encourage you to share the newsletter itself, please don't copy or use the images independently. Thanks for your understanding! Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

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Living Lutheran Weekly Email Digest

LL Stories September 29, 2026 The holy work of reconciliation and renewal Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year, various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of us … continue Prayer for Sept. 29 Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer for the day from the ELCA resource “Prayer ventures.” These daily petitions are offered as a guide for your own prayer life as together we pray for … continue Celebrating our diversity Editor’s note: Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued his fourth entry in “All together in one place,” a series of monthly messages. Each message shares a pastoral word, … continue

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Weekly Outlook - A church worthy of Gen Z

Dear readers, This fall, the Presbyterian Outlook is offering two webinars designed to inspire your own faith and support your ministry. On September 23, join author, oboist and creative coach Merideth Hite Estevez for "Art Is How God Loves Us." Through audio divina and other reflective practices, Merideth will explore how art and beauty can reconnect us with God, restore our sense of wonder and help us pay closer attention to the sacred in everyday life. Then, on October 5, get a head start on Advent planning with Amy Pagliarella, the Outlook’s book review editor. Amy will guide you through noteworthy new Advent devotionals and small group resources for 2026 — plus some tried-and-true favorites — helping pastors, educators and individuals find resources that fit their congregations and spiritual practices. Whether you’re longing for a little quiet beauty or already looking ahead to Advent, we hope you’ll join us for one — or both — of these upcoming conversations. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

Honoring the gift of LGBTQIA+ youth for the church by Cody J. Sanders   Large Presbyterian churches see post-pandemic growth — and changing patterns of belonging by Emma Ledbetter When pastors can no longer work: Navigating disability in the PC(USA) by Gregg Brekke A church worthy of Gen Z by Teri McDowell Ott

Our Advent resources are live! We've prepared a daily devotional and a host of ready-to-use worship resources. Check them out! In case you missed it... Cripping Youth Ministry: An Intersectional Vision for Working With Disabled Youth "Cripping Youth Ministry" is a bold, honest call to dismantle ableism and build inclusive faith communities, writes Amy Pagliarella. Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, directs $200k to help its neighbors overcome financial barriers Rather than creating new programs, the church is investing in organizations with established expertise in housing instability, predatory lending, medical debt and lack of access to identification. — PNS Grace Over Guns: Pursuing Peace in a Militarized World Cara Meredith reviews Ben Daniel’s "Grace Over Guns," a compelling call to embrace the gospel of grace, challenge cultures of violence, and pursue peace in a militarized world. Faith formation without easy answers Vernon Gramling shares what 12 years of leading small groups taught him about making room for honest questions and doubt. Affirming Black children’s full humanity Moving toward programs that affirm Black children’s full humanity is crucial for justice, writes Chris Burton. No Longer Male and Female: A Biblical Guide for Our Questions about Gender Jo Wiersema reviews Will Brown's "No Longer Male and Female," a father's journey with his gender-expansive child turned into a biblical case for affirmation.

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