International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day provides another excellent opportunity to further focus and continue to commit to dismantling racism in worship and community life.
This day could be an opportunity to share more about the United Church’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist denomination, and then to consider making a similar commitment in your community of faith. The United Church worship resources focused on anti-racism and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination can also be used throughout the year.
[Image credit: Sarah Hall]
Webinar: Exploring Preaching on Racism
On March 21, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the United Church is hosting a webinar called “A Biblical and Theological Exploration on Preaching Race and Racism.” This will be a rich conversation about anti-racist preaching, biblical interpretation, and realities of racism in The United Church of Canada, featuring a keynote presentation by HyeRan Kim-Cragg of Emmanuel College, followed by discussion afterwards.
This webinar is also a preview of some of the content in an upcoming United Church study guide on anti-racism, also written by HyeRan Kim-Cragg. There is no cost to attend, and up to 300 people can register in advance to join us on Zoom. The event will also be livestreamed to Facebook.
[Photo: HyeRan Kim-Cragg. Credit: Emmanuel College]
General Council 43 Recall Meeting
There will be a special online meeting of the 43rd General Council on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 12:00 noon Eastern Time, airing live on YouTube. Commissioners will be asked to decide whether the 44th General Council 2022 will be an in-person or online-only event. The lingering effects of the pandemic may still be felt in 2022, and the church needs to decide now how it will meet that year before it has to sign contracts with the meeting and accommodation facilities in Calgary. The agenda, full proposal and video background materials are now posted on the United Church Commons. Find out more. [Photo: The United Church of Canada]
Cross-Canada Day of Prayer for Hong Kong
 A Cross-Canada Day of Prayer for Hong Kong has been initiated by the Mustard Seeds Hong Kong Concern Group and organized in collaboration with The Canadian Council of Churches. The event invites churches to participate during their Sunday services by praying for peace and justice to transform the church, society, and people of Hong Kong and to join others across Canada in an evening prayer gathering conducted virtually, on March 21 at 7:00-8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please register and join us. [Image: Mustard Seeds Hong Kong Concern Group / The Canadian Council of Churches]
Congregational Finances during the Pandemic Webinar
 Our Congregational Finances during the Pandemic webinars have proven so popular that we've invited Erik Mathiesen and Clyde Harris back monthly this winter to keep us up to date on the latest news and advice for church treasurers. Each session will provide information that's current as of the day of delivery. Since the government programs continue to change as we move through the pandemic, be sure you stay up to date on the things that could make a difference to your church and ministry. Please join us: March 24, 7:00 p.m. EDT / 4:00 p.m. PDT. Find out more, register, and submit your questions for the panelists ahead of time.
Stories of Our Faith: Rural and Homeless—Gary's Story
 In rural communities, poverty can be hard to spot. People rarely ask for money on the street. There are no downtown cores to gather in and few, if any shelters, to turn to. Lack of public transit and nearby resources means that too often people are left to suffer alone. Gary would have starved or frozen to death without House of Lazarus, a Mission & Service partner, stepping up to help. This story highlights the unique face of poverty in rural communities and the many ways your Mission & Service gifts are making a difference. [Photo: Trisha Elliott / The United Church of Canada]
Gathered for Preaching Book Launch and Webinar
 Please join us online for the launch of the latest book from United Church Publishing House, Gathered for Preaching: A Sourcebook for Lay Leaders and Clergy, by Ross Bartlett; March 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. EDT / 4:00 p.m. PDT. Sign up today and reserve your spot. Bring your own cheese and crackers! United in Learning is also holding a webinar that will explore some of the themes in Gathered for Preaching the book. The book–and the webinar–grew out of articles that originally appeared in Gathering Magazine. We’ll “workshop” some of the foundational ideas in the book, and invite participants to reflect together on a few of the basic questions that underlie the preparation of a good sermon. Find out more and register at United in Learning. About Gathered for Preaching: A growing number of people are hearing the call from both their churches and the Spirit to take up the essential ministry of preaching. Ross Bartlett explores many key practices and ideas that beginner preachers need to consider and experienced speakers may benefit from revisiting. He challenges us to be the very best we can be so that God's people may hear the good news for their lives. Believing that we can all master the skills of clear communication, Ross Bartlett invites the reader on a journey of discovery. Gathered for Preaching is available in print or as an e-book from UCRDstore.
Worship Resources
See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. March 21 - Fifth Sunday in LentMarch 21 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationApril 2 - Good Friday Morning Service: "From the Table to the Cross," with Moderator Richard Bott and members of the General Council Executive. Watch for more details soon. | 
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