A Prayer for People of Courage

https://united-church.ca/prayers/prayer-people-courage

We offer to you, O God, our prayers for those who seek justice and resist evil. We pray for those who need your presence and strength to stand firm; for those who oppose the use of violence in any form in faithful response to the Prince of Peace. We pray for those are prepared to be firm to protect those in danger. We pray for those who walk with others who need strength. We pray for those who protest, those who organize letter campaigns, those who give sacrificially on behalf of others.

We pray for those who speak the unpopular truth; who protect the unpopular victims; who choose the unpopular path of peace.

We pray for those who do not let their desire for peace hinder the requirements of justice, and for those who do not let their zeal for justice override the call for peace.

—from "On This Day of Remembrance," prayers for Remembrance Sunday by the Rev. Dr. Neil Parker, military chaplain at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, ON

[Image credit:Digeman on Pixabay]

Partner Council Visits Communities of Faith

Partner Council with United Church of Canada leadership (left to right): Rev. Jennifer Henry, Samer Laham, Annie Namala, Rev. Michael Blair, Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndlovu, and Horacio Mesones

The United Church of Canada 2023 Partner Council visited faith communities in the First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council and Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Regional Council from October 20 to 26, 2023. They visited emerging and established faith communities, met with lay leaders and regional council members, and got to experience first-hand how faith communities are living into the church’s Call to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice.

A message from the Partner Council to the United Church will go to the November 2023 General Council Executive meeting, sharing reflections and observations on “what is and what could be” as the church moves forward in living out its Call and Vision. Read the full news story.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Call to Act: United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28)

From November 30 to December 12, 2023, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The theme of COP28 is Unite. Act. Deliver. Let’s help this be so.

1. Participate in the Road to COP Webinar Series:

Churches’ Advocacy on Loss and Damage: Tuesday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. EST
Faithful Responses to Eco-Anxiety: Thursday, November 30, at 1:00 p.m. EST

2. Host a Vigil Host or attend a “Candles for COP” Public Witness or Prayer Service during the weekend of December 8–10.

3. The United Church of Canada COP28 delegation will be reporting back regularly via social media. Follow #UCCANCOP28 and #FLCCOP28 and share updates with your networks.

[Image credit: COP28 UAE]

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

We are mid-way through the 40 Days! Check out this week's written reflections, live event, and featured book!

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

Tonight's 40 Days Live Event

A history of Violence: The Legacy of Environmental Racism in Canada with Ingrid Waldon

Are you curious about what environmental racism is? And how environmental racism impacts diverse communities in Canada? Tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST please join us for an engaging evening.

In this session, Dr Ingrid Waldron will offer a historical overview of cases of environmental racism in Canada, and will outline how she has been addressing environmental racism over the last 10 years in partnership with Indigenous and Black communities and their allies.

Register for the live event on on CHURCHx, and consider picking up a copy of her book at the United Church Bookstore.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada and Ingrid Waldon]

Mission and Service Stories: Compassion into Action

Acts of compassion, both big and small, give rise to peace. We can’t wave a magic wand and bring about world peace, but with every act of compassion we harness the power of love, the same love Jesus lived and died for and that he promised would move mountains.

[Photo credit: Lindsay Vatour]

EDGE: Collaboration for Sustainable Community Workshop

Join the Collaboration for Sustainable Community on CHURCHx, an online community focused on Community Hubs. This model allows churches to engage with their neighbours and build sustainability. The community offers resources and information on planning, building, and managing these hubs. The $20 membership fee, waived until 2024, provides access to the online community and a webinar series by experienced individuals. The next webinar is November 27 at 1:00 p.m EST. Register for the Collaboration for Sustainable Community and join us!

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

United Church Bookstore: Called to Act

An exciting new book has just arrived from author David Sparks! Called to Act: Prayers with Roots in the Gospel of Mark, a collection of responsive prayers inspired by reflections on Mark's gospel, calls to us to be bold disciples and to be daring in our quest for justice. In these prayers, readers will find echoes of thanks and hope that will speak to their own joys and challenges; worship leaders will find help and inspiration as they prepare for worship. A study guide is included to prompt discussion and deepen exploration of Mark's gospel, section by section, chapter by chapter.

Looking to dive even deeper? Save the date for the upcoming Called to Act Book Launch on December 6 at 7:00 p.m. EST on CHURCHx. More details to come!

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada/ Called to Act]