The United Church Bookstore: Get Ready for Lent!

Lent is just around the corner, with Ash Wednesday falling on February 14 this year, and we have plenty of resources on hand to help you get ready for the season!

From the Lenten devotional Act/Fast: Spiritual Practices for a Climate in Crisis, to new bulletin covers, and a Lenten study with United-in-Learning, you can find the supplies to support your community of faith and personal spiritual journey at the United Church Bookstore.

Looking for even more Lenten resources? Subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca for inspiring Lent worship ideas and more!

[Image credit: © Dzmitryshashko | Dreamstime]

Partners Report Public Health Catastrophe Unfolding In Gaza

To address ongoing psychosocial trauma, DSPR-NECC psychosocial service program hosts “fun days” for children in Gaza to play, laugh, and vent their fears.

January 17, 2024 marked the 100th day of Israeli bombardment and ground operations in Gaza. Most of the population—2.2 million people—is at imminent risk of famine. The United Church of Canada continues to call for

an immediate permanent ceasefire
the immediate and safe release of all hostages, political prisoners, and administrative detainees
sustained and protected humanitarian access
independent investigations of war crimes and violations of international law, with all parties responsible being held accountable

Please continue to pray, act, and donate. Read the full news story.

[Image credit: DSPR]

Call for Nominations!

Call for nominations! Committees and task groups at the national level rely on the wisdom and God-given talents that committed individuals bring to these positions. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight various positions within the church. Who will you nominate?

The Canadian Council of Churches: The Canadian Council of Churches brings together Christian churches from across the country to respond to Christ’s call for unity and peace, to seek truth, and to act in love. Who should be the United Church’s voice at this ecumenical table? Learn more about the Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches and nominate someone or consider if you are called!

Structural Change Evaluation Steering Group: Five years ago, the United Church began transitioning to our current structure. Two of the leaders who were a part of implementing that change are needed to join the Structural Change Evaluation Steering Group.

Learn more on the opportunities webpage.

[Photo: The United Church of Canada]

Join the Mod's Book Squad!

This week, on Thursday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m. EST, join Moderator Carmen Lansdowne and special guest Debra Thompson as they discuss Thompson’s book The Long Road Home: On Blackness and Belonging.

The Long Road Home follows the roots of Black identities in North America and the routes taken by those who have crisscrossed the world’s longest undefended border in search of freedom and belonging.

Enroll once for the Mod's Book Squad and gain access to the entire series on CHURCHx.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Your Mission and Service Stories: Preserving Culture through Language Revitalization

Nine Elders from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, are working to revive the Haida language. The Elders teach students the words, phrases, songs and stories of their ancestors. The response has been empowering, with language learners near and far dedicating themselves to study. The efforts of Mission and Service partners to preserve languages unite people in a common passion while rediscovering history.

[Image credit: Haida Gwaii Skidegate]

Black History Month Worship Service

The 2024 Black History Month: Jesus in the Village worship service and video are now available! Find this worship and more under Black History Month Worship Resources. Look for even more Black History resources in next week's E-ssentials!