The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
E-ssentials: Orange Shirt Day, Mission and Service Thanksgiving Resources, and more!
September 30 Is Orange Shirt Day
On September 30, people all across Canada will wear orange shirts to remember and honour Indigenous children who were taken from their communities and families to residential institutions.
This year, Indigenous communities across the country continue to share the truth they have always known: that many of the children who never returned home remain on the grounds of those institutions in unmarked burial sites. These communities are now seeking to honour the missing children.
On Orange Shirt Day we also observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For non-Indigenous Christians in particular, this is a time to reflect on their role in colonialism and the ongoing responsibility to make reparations.
Call for Nominations: Task Group on Apology to Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Communities
The United Church has been called on to offer an apology for the harms and hurts caused to Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people and communities. We are seeking individuals who can deeply consider the meaning of apology and craft words to give voice and action to the church’s lament and commitment. People who do not identify as Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply. Nominations close Monday, September 25.
[Video still: The United Church of Canada]
Mission and Service Stories: Breaking Down Barriers to Education
Every child has the right to learn. But school fees, violence, child labour, and discrimination mean that in some parts of the world, too many children can’t go to school. Mission and Service partner Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children (KAACR) brings together child rights organizations to share information about child protection and safeguarding and helps to support children in schools.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Mission and Service Thanksgiving Resources
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and we’d like to take the time to show gratitude to our United Church of Canada leaders in worship. To express our thanks and support your leadership, we're excited to share that the Mission and Service and United Church of Canada Foundation Thanksgiving resources are now available at Mission and Service This Season.
[Image credit: Canva]
Eco-Mystics Zoom Workshop Starts October 3
Karl Rahner has said that if the church is going to survive we need to become mystics—perhaps if humans are going to survive we need to become eco-mystics.
In this course you will:
Become familiar with practices that enable us to become eco-mystics—including meditating outside.
Use liturgy and ritual with the four elements and poetry to stay present to our beautiful, rapidly changing biosphere and the resulting emergence/cy.
Create a relational container to name what is most alive, from grief to joy, new thoughts, emergent actions, and new connections.
Use Mark Coleman’s A Field Guide to Nature Meditation for personal weekly practice.
The Mod's Book Squad starts September 21, 2023! Check out all the featured titles in the collection on our website, and sign up for all the fun in one of Canada's largest online book clubs on CHURCHx.
Plus, when you purchase two or more of the featured books from the United Church Bookstore you'll receive 15% off your purchase with the discount code MODSQUAD (applied at checkout). This offer is also compatible with the promotional code FREESHIPPING to access free shipping on orders of $100 or more!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Get Ready for Advent Unwrapped!
The Advent Unwrapped team is thrilled to present new material to you this year and continue to "unwrap" the true meaning of the Advent and Christmas season.
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