E-ssentials: Prayers for Healing in Buffalo, Alvin Dixon Memorial Run, and more.

Prayers for Healing, Comfort, and Anti-Racist Action The United Church of Christ, a full communion partner with The United Church of Canada, has offered a prayer following the horrific racist killings in a Buffalo, New York, grocery store this past weekend. This hate crime in a predominantly Black neighbourhood by a White shooter, that resulted in the deaths of 10 people, has been condemned as an act of terrorism and of White supremacy. The Presbyterian Church USA, a United Church ecumenical partner, mourns these lives, as well as the killings of people at two Presbyterian Churches in Laguna Woods, California. Most of the people killed at the churches were of Taiwanese descent. While it may be tempting to distance these attacks as extreme events taking place solely in the United States, the realities of racism are also ever-present in Canada, and the impacts of these attacks are acutely felt here as well. Read the full news piece and find more resources for anti-racism work. [Credit: By Andre Carrotflower via CC BY-SA 4.0]     Alvin Dixon Memorial Walk/Run Put your athletic shoes on and get ready for the third Alvin Dixon Memorial Walk/Run!  Date: Official kick-off is June 17, 2022, but events can take place any time through July 25, 2022 Time: Whenever works best for you What: A run or walk in your community, you choose the distance and route Why: To have fun and raise money for the United Church of Canada Foundation's Alvin Dixon Memorial Bursary Fund, supporting Indigenous students entering or continuing post-secondary education or study at religious and spiritual centres How: Organize a run for your Community of Faith or other group, run/walk on your own or with a friend, sponsor a group or participant, or simply make a donation! Visit CanadaHelps.org to find out more. For help making your gift or registering, please contact the Foundation at fdn@united-church.ca. [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Stories and Songs of Korea: Korea Peace 10,000 Signature Campaign     The United Church Korean Network will hold a Stories and Songs of Korea program in support of the Korea Peace 10,000 Signature Campaign. This Asian Heritage Month event will feature Kay Cho, Sun-Young Sunny Kim, and Hannah Kim-Cragg who will present a historical background to this peace initiative. In addition to offering our prayers and music renditions, participants are welcome to share their stories of the Korean War and how their families were affected because of the division that the war has caused. Register here for this event. [Image credit: Korea Peace Appeal / The United Church of Canada]   2022 Assessment Reminder   All United Church pastoral charges can access their 2022 assessment invoices and statements through their ChurchHub account (Churchhub.ca). This is the same portal pastoral charges use to file their annual statistical report online as well as change/update any email addresses, officers, and general information. If any assistance with accessing ChurchHub is required, please email assessments@united-church.ca.   Assessments can be paid using one of our on-line payment methods and the information/instructions can be found at the following link on our website. Assessments can also be paid by cheque, made payable to The United Church of Canada and mailed to 200-3250 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON  M8X 2Y4. Please include your M&S Number and ‘Assessments” on the memo line in order for it to be credited to the correct account.   For more information, please contact assessments@united-church.ca.     Nutrition Program in Somalia Helps Save Lives Somalia is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years. More than half a million farmers and herders have lost their crops and animals. That’s why your gifts through Mission & Service are supporting a nutrition program aimed at helping to save children’s lives. [Photo: Suheyb and his mother Hodan receiving nutritional supplements. Credit: Trócaire]   United Church Bookstore: My Daily Discoverment   My Daily Discoverment, edited by Andrew Hyde, is a resource in the Christian tradition for young adults who want to explore vocational discernment. Utilizing 40 daily reflections, reflection prompts with space to journal, and additional commentary from diverse contributors, this resource equips readers to engage questions of calling, purpose, and decision-making. Although directed at young adults, My Daily Discoverment will inspire readers of all ages to refocus, reimagine, and renew their lives. The dedicated Instagram account is also full of helpful tips and reflective content—take a look!   Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. May 22 - Sixth Sunday of Easter May 22 - Asian Heritage Month 4 May 22 - Rural Life Sunday Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Our gifts for Mission & Service bring healing, justice, and hope to life. Donate today.

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