E-ssentials: Earth Week, Placing Ourselves in Colonialism Webinar, Seeds of Hope Grants, and more!

Get Ready for Earth Week! Earth Sunday is April 16 and kicks off Earth Week 2023! Check out all the wonderful Earth Week events going on in your area by visiting the map on the For the Love of Creation website. Share what your community of faith is doing for Earth Week on social and use the hashtag #FLCPrayLearnAct2023. Change takes all of us, but every action builds hope for climate justice! Keep the conversation going and get inspired by subscribing to the Climate Justice newsletter. [Image credit: For the Love of Creation] Placing Ourselves in Colonialism Webinar Series Starting April 24, join us for a four-session workshop as we explore our histories and stories, and share about our individual family history too. Where do we connect with the forces of colonization? What are our responsibilities in the places where we have “settled” and the people whose lives have been impacted? Where does this lead us in our discipleship? Leadership for this workshop includes Elaine Enns, Ched Myers, Tony Snow, Adele Halliday, and Sara Stratton. Find out more, and register on CHURCHx. [Image credit: CHURCHx/The United Church of Canada] Submit Your Seeds of Hope Grant by April 15   The spring 2023 Seeds of Hope granting cycle is still open! Completed applications must be received by 11:55 p.m. EDT on April 15, 2023, to be considered by the Joint Grants Committee.  The Joint Grants Committee welcomes applications to the Seeds of Hope granting program for new, unique projects that: Provide innovative seniors’ ministry Celebrate and encourage children and youth Address environmental and social justice issues Look at new ways to provide ministry and support during transition periods Facilitate experiencing faith and spirituality Please contact Foundation Staff at grants@united-church.ca for more information, and to sign up for the United Church Foundation newsletter to stay up to date with the latest granting and Foundation news. We can’t wait to hear about your plans!  *Please note that Embracing the Spirit and New Ministry Grants will not be available in 2023. These programs have been put on hold as we embrace the exciting transition into the United Church of Canada’s new strategic plan. Grants from the United Church Foundation will continue as usual. [Image credit: Coleur on Pixabay] Your Generosity Matters: Your Generosity Shows Love of Creation In El Salvador, the Association of Economic and Social Development Santa Marta (ADES), a Mission & Service partner, is acting to protect the community’s right to a healthy environment. Working closely with community members to grow food, ADES promotes sustainable agriculture that protects biodiversity, maintains the integrity of the land, and upholds rural culture.  [Image credit: Christie Neufeldt] The United Church Bookstore: Celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day April 29 is Canadian Independent Bookstore Day! You can show your love and support for the United Church Bookstore in so many different ways— follow us on Facebook and Instagram, like and share our posts, subscribe to our newsletter, and of course buy our wonderful United Church Publishing House books. We encourage you to spend some time browsing our website and learn more about our little bookstore! Remember: We offer free shipping on orders over $100. Be sure to use the promotional code FREESHIPPING to save on your next large order!  [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Call for Nominations: Last Call!   Last call for nominations! The call for nominations are closing soon for the Anti-Racism Common Table and Office of Vocation committees! Lift up the leaders that you believe the church needs for such a time as this. Learn more about each of the current opportunities to serve. Nominations close Monday, April 17. [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Worship Resources  See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations. Earth Sunday - April 16, 2023 Second Sunday of Easter - April 16, 2023 Camping Sunday - April 23, 2023 Third Sunday of Easter - April 23, 2023 A Prayer of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide – April 24, 1915 Fourth Sunday of Easter- April 30, 2023 Mental Health Sunday - May 7, 2023 For more inspiring worship ideas and resources subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca 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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