E-ssentials: Moderator Nominee, Refugee Sponsorship News, and more!

General Council 44 Update: One Nominee for Moderator Election From June 17 to 19, 2022, Commissioners and Corresponding Members, including ecumenical and interfaith guests, global partners, and representatives of Youth Forum, focused on in-depth discussion on the proposals facing GC44. Find out more about the work that happened during the Discussion sessions, and prepare to move toward the Decision sessions scheduled for July 21‒25, 2022. On June 17 at 2:00 p.m. EDT, nominations closed for 44th Moderator of The United Church of Canada. At that time there was only one nominee, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne. The United Church of Canada requires an election process for Moderator. That election will happen on July 23, and the individual elected at that time will be installed on August 7, 2022. Learn more about the nominee in this biographical statement. At the close of the GC44 Discussion Sessions on June 19 the General Secretary outlined the process for the election, and a video of placing a stole on the moderatorial nominee was shown.  Stay Up to Date on Refugee Sponsorship News The United Church of Canada has been a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) for more than 40 years. Over the past 10 years, the United Church has helped more than 4,000 refugees arrive in Canada. The process to welcome and sponsor refugees can be tedious and long, but faith communities have shown resilience in their work to host refugee families who come from conflict areas around the world. Subscribe to the Refugee Sponsorship News e-newsletter to follow along as we share these impactful stories, sponsorship support information, and changes to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. [Image credit: The United Church of Canada ] Rising above Tragedy to Transform Lives    Saidath, a survivor of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, is one of the Asian Rural Institute’s most recent graduates. With skills she developed at the agricultural school, she plans to initiate community cooperatives to pass on the skills she learned―skills developed with help from your support through Mission & Service. [Photo credit: Asian Rural Institute]   National Online Reading Club Hosts Lois Wilson Join Broadview Magazine and the United Church Bookstore on July 4 for a conversation with former Moderator Lois Wilson as part of the National Online Reading Club, discussing the new book, For the Sake of the Common Good: Essays in Honour of Lois Wilson. This book brings together internationally recognized figures, national leaders, and local heroes who have been influenced by Lois Wilson’s practical Christianity, progressive values, and commitment to ending oppression in all forms. For the Sake of the Common Good acknowledges Lois Wilson’s inspiring legacy while taking on the important task of continuing her work.   You can register for the event by signing up for Broadview Magazine's free newsletter. When: Monday, July 4, 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Innovative Grant Application What are your dreams for your community of faith? We are now accepting applications for the Embracing the Spirit Innovation Grants of up to $5000. The next application deadline is July 15, 2022. Need some inspiration? See the story map of initiatives that are already happening across the country. [Image credit: Eko Pramono from Pixabay.com] Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. July 3 - Fourth After Pentecost July 10 - Fifth After Pentecost   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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