Wednesday, October 18, 2023

E-ssentials: The United Church of Canada Joins Day of Prayer and Fasting, 40 Days Live Event, and more

Today, October 17, The United Church of Canada joins Day of Prayer and Fasting


Canfle in the darkness

Responding to the call of the World Council of Churches, The United Church of Canada will join a Day of Prayer and Fasting on October 17 hosted by the Jerusalem Heads of Churches. Prayers are sought for all who have suffered, for grieving families, and for a de-escalation of the war to save innocent lives.

The United Church also invites particular prayers for religious siblings in our own country—Jewish and Muslim—and any who have family in the region, who are grieving, anguished, and afraid.

While prayers are welcomed constantly throughout the day, United Church households and congregations are invited to unite in prayer by lighting a candle at 6:30 p.m. EDT (3:30 p.m. PDT, 4:30 p.m. MDT, 5:30 p.m. CDT, 7:30 p.m. ADT, and 8:00 p.m. in Newfoundland) October 17. To share in our petitions across the country, you may wish to post a picture of your prayer light on social media using the hashtags #UCCan#WCC, and #PrayForPeace, adding your own prayers to your post.

For more information read the full news story.

[Image: Photo by Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash]


Ecumenical Statement on Violence between Hamas and Israel


Hand releasing a dove into sunset

KAIROS Canada and its member churches and agencies are following reports of the escalation of violence between Hamas and Israel with deepening alarm and profound grief. We condemn the violence, particularly against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, which constitutes a war crime.

Read the full Ecumenical Statement on Violence between Hamas and Israel.

[Image credit: Khwanchai Phanthong | Dreamstime.com]


Tonight's 40 Days Live Event


Exploring Anti-Racist and Decolonial Theologies

Please join us tonight for “Exploring Anti-Racist and Decolonial Theologies” at 7:00 p.m. EDT. It features United Church faculty members Alcris Limongi, Néstor Medina, and Becca Whitla, and will be moderated by the United Church's Executive Minister for Theology and Ministry Leadership, Jennifer Janzen-Ball.

The faculty from different theological schools have been in conversation about the goals of the United Church’s Anti-Racism Action Plan, and they have many insights to share about what they have been doing and what they imagine doing in the future! Join us for a thought-provoking conversation for theological and ministry leadership.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism: Week at a Glance!


40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism week at a glance

40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism is well underway and moving through its second week! 

Check out this week's written reflections for days 6 to 11, join tonight's live event, and dive deep with the featured book of the week.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada and the contributors]

EDGE: Moderator Visits Rural Ministry Town Hall on October 30!


Rural Ministry Town Hall 2023
This month, the Rural Ministry Town Hall welcomes a very special guest: the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of The United Church of Canada! She will be joining our discussion of the joys and challenges of working in rural ministry in Canada and taking a few questions from participants.

Everyone registered through CHURCHx for the monthly Rural Ministry Town Halls will receive the Zoom link for this exciting event. Email Sarah Levis if you’re unsure whether you’ve registered.

Join us as we welcome the Moderator on October 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m. EDT, and check out the full EDGE catalog on CHURCHx.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Mission and Service Stories: Building Climate Resiliency


Women for Change, Zambia

In areas of Zambia where historically there has been little rain, now there are floods, and where there were floods, now there are droughts. Climate change makes the traditional women’s tasks of collecting firewood and charcoal and making food harder, so Women for Change makes building climate awareness and resiliency a priority.

[Image credit: Women for Change, Zambia]

United Church Bookstore: Dare to Prepare!


2024 Canadian Church Calendar

The theme of this year’s calendar is the United Church’s Call and Vison: Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice. It features photos of United Churches from across the country and notes special days and church seasons.

Order in bulk to save! Orders of 50 or more calendars can apply the MYCHURCHCAL discount code at checkout to receive 20% off the calendars, which communities of faith can then resell to their congregants to raise funds. This discount is active until November 15, so don't wait!

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Worship Resources 


See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – October 17, 2023 
Twenty First after Pentecost – October 22, 2023 
Reformation Sunday – October 29, 2023  
Twenty-third after Pentecost – November 5, 2023
Remembrance Day – November 11, 2023
Twenty Fourth after Pentecost– November 12, 2023 
Childrens Sunday – November 19, 2023 
Twenty Fifth after Pentecost– November 19, 2023 
Transgender Day of Remembrance – November 20, 2023 
World Aids Day – December 1, 2023 

For more inspiring worship ideas and resources subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca
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