E-ssentials: Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day

A Prayer for National Indigenous Peoples Day A paraphrase of Psalm 106:1‒5: Praise our Creator! O Meegwetch give thanks to the Maker, for Turtle Island nurtures us; love lives forever in ancestors dancing in the aurora borealis. Who can truth talk the mighty doings of the Creator or drum all their praises? Joyful are those who observe justice, who work for right relations at all times. Remember me, O Great Spirit, when you show honour to your people. Help us when you lead us into places of protection. We see the grateful hunting of creatures, generous gathering and abundant harvest and prosperity of our kin, that we may dance in the ceremonies of our nation’s people, that we may glory in your ancestry. All my relations. (From 2022 Indigenous Day of Prayer - All My Relations worship service and sermon by the Rev. Nancy Best.) [Photo: steveowst / Pixabay] The Earth Is the Lord's "The Earth is the Lord's": For National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Rev. John R. Thompson shares that "Truth cannot be hidden. It eventually rises up and is revealed. This is evidenced by the countless stories of pain, abuse, and even death as more and more graves of children at former Residential Schools are being identified. Healing and wholeness are only possible as Truth is revealed. And perhaps then Reconciliation can begin." Read the full blog post.  [Image credit: thekopmylife / iStock] 2022 Alvin Dixon Walk/Run 2022 Alvin Dixon Walk/Run The 2022 Alvin Dixon Walk/Run has officially kicked off! If you haven't started yet but would like to participate, please visit the official GC44 webpage for more information. Money raised will go to The Alvin Dixon Memorial Bursary Fund, supporting Indigenous students entering or continuing post-secondary education or study at religious and spiritual centres. Put your athletic shoes on and start your run/walk today! Book Launch: Building God's Beloved Community   Don't miss the book launch of Building God’s Beloved Community this Thursday, June 23!   The new confirmation and faith formation resource, edited by Taylor Croissant, is for those who are considering membership or deeper involvement in The United Church of Canada. This book is an ideal accompaniment to your journey of intentional Christian development, whether you’re embarking on adult baptism, considering confirmation, or seeking to enrich your faith through deeper study. Building God's Beloved Community is an accessible and engaging discipleship primer designed to support you during this period of preparation and transformation.   Participants at the book launch will receive a time-limited discount coupon for the purchase of the book. Find out more at United in Learning!   When: Thursday, June 23, 7:00‒8:00 p.m. ET (4:00‒5:00 p.m. PT)   [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]   985 Leaders Trained in Anti-Human Trafficking    In 2021, the Diocese of Durgapur―a Mission & Service partner―helped 985 key youth, church, and community leaders become aware of anti-human trafficking methods. But that’s not all the organization accomplished last year with your support. Here's how your generosity is helping. [Photo credit: Diocese of Durgapur]   Korea Peace Appeal: Help Us Reach 10,000 Signatures This Summer! Together Seeking Peace in Korea In this new video, Together Seeking Peace in Korea, Moderator Richard Bott highlights our call as Christians and responsibilities as Canadians to respond to the National Council of Churches in Korea’s invitation to The United Church of Canada to add Ten Thousand Signatures. Join with Korean partners and all who seek peace on the Korean Peninsula, the region, and the world. In adding your signature to the petition, you are saying: End the Korean War and establish a peace agreement. Create a Korean Peninsula and a world free from nuclear weapons and nuclear threat. Resolve the conflict with dialogue and cooperation instead of sanctions and pressure. Break from the vicious cycle of the arms race and invest in human security and environmental sustainability. Sign the petition! Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. June 27 - Canadian Multiculturalism Day July 1 - Canada Day   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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