Prayers for Turkey and Syria
GOPA-DERD team continues to intensify efforts in the areas most affected by the earthquake.
On Monday, February 6, a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit southern Turkey and neighbouring Syria. The United Church of Canada is deeply concerned for all those affected, particularly the thousands who have lost their homes and their lives.
The United Church is in contact with partners in the region to learn more about the impact and understand how best to offer our support. Please include the people of Turkey, Syria, and other countries affected in your prayers, and consider making a donation to the emergency relief fund.
God,
In the face of destruction
that tears down homes and threatens life,
we pray that your deep abiding love
be felt by:
those who are grieving,
those who fear for themselves and their communities,
those who are struggling; and,
those wo are offering aid.
May they continue to be strengthened by your Spirit.
May we extend our hearts in prayer.
Amen[Image credit: GOPA-DERD in Aleppo, Latakia, Hama (Syria)]
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United Church Stands with Filipino Human Rights Defenders
On January 24, 2023, a warrant of arrest was issued for five human rights defenders associated with the Cordillera Peoples Alliance in the Philippines, long-time partner of The United Church of Canada, and two other respected human rights defenders.
The United Church of Canada joins in a global call to free Jen Awingan, have the trumped-up charges against the seven activists dropped, and have the government in the Philippines be held accountable for their human rights violations. Read the full news story.[Image credit: Cordillera Peoples Alliance Facebook]
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Celebrate International Development Week 2023
International Development Week is February 5 - 11. The week’s activities focus on sustainable development and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a shared plan for building a healthier global future for people and the planet by 2030.
Join us this week as we share stories from across the church about our collaboration with Mission & Service partners in contributing to a just, equitable, and sustainable world. Learn about how the United Church and global partner work addresses poverty, hunger, climate change, gender equality, and education on a global and local scale.[Image credit: Christie Neufeldt]
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Remembering Omega Chilufya Bula
It is with broken hearts that people of The United Church of Canada mourn the passing of Omega Chilufya Bula, beloved Justice Leader, Sister, Elder, Pioneer, Mentor, Friend, and Colleague. Omega passed away in Lusaka, Zambia, on January 31, 2023.
The global ecumenical movement has lost one its greatest leaders, and Omega will be deeply missed. Read more about Omega's life and the legacy she leaves behind.[Image credit: Courtesy of Mwai Bula.]
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Call for Nominations
We are seeking lay and ministry personnel leaders for roles on the General Council Executive, the General Council Planning Committee, a special task group, and a new interfaith opportunity. Please visit the United Church website for more information. Deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 23, 2023.[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
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The United Church Bookstore: Lent is Coming! |
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Lent is two weeks away—be sure to get your copy of Good Courage: Daily Reflections on Hope and dive deep into the honest and beautiful testimonies and thoughtful and poignant prayers, and challenge yourself to channel your good courage!
Plus, starting February 28, join the Rev. Stephen Fetter in the new online Lenten study! Ponder the kind of courage that God calls out of ordinary people, and reflect on their stories with people from across the country!
Looking to buy multiple copies for a group study? Be sure to use code COURAGE20 to receive 20% off any purchases of five or more copies of the book.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
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Your Generosity Matters: Your Generosity Accompanies Grandmothers |
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 Grandmothers in the Rift Valley of Kenya are shunned by their pastors and their communities at the very time when they need support the most—because they are raising grandchildren whose parents died of AIDS. The pastors believe that HIV/AIDS is a result of sexual sin and teach that to their congregations. When we know better, we do better—and your gifts help grandmothers show their pastors how to do better by connecting their love for their grandchildren to God’s love for all. [Photo credit: World Council of Churches Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy]
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The Annual Declaration Is Now Open!
We’d like to advise ministry personnel that the 2023 Annual Declaration is now open until May 19, 2023. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. Log into ChurchHub.ca to make your Annual Declaration about whether you’ve had criminal charges in the last year or not. If you make your Annual Declaration each year, you do not need to get a new police records check! (Remember that Chrome or Edge are the preferred browsers for ChurchHub; Safari is not optimal.)
Need help accessing ChurchHub? Please contact ministry@united-church.ca.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
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Our gifts for Mission & Service bring healing, justice, and hope to life. Donate today. |
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