The Moderator's Easter Message

In her Easter message, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne’s hope for the church is that we will know that even in our deepest grief the risen Christ will show up, call us by name, and remind us that this is not the end of our story. Watch it now on our YouTube Channel.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada/Moderator Carmen Lansdowne]

Last Opportunity To Send In Your Remit Vote

The last day for pastoral charges to submit votes in the remit process is March 31. This date due date will not be extended, and it is important to submit votes by this date. It does not matter how large or small your pastoral charge is. What is vital is that each and every community of faith responds in this process. As of today, votes have been received from 1286 pastoral charges, which is approximately 65.5% of the total.

As a reminder, this remit is only one facet of our church’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation. Others include adopting the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and enacting the Calls to the Church from the Caretakers of Our Indigenous Circle. 

Full background information—including voting cards, videos, and answers to frequently asked questions—are available on the website for General Council 44. If you have additional questions, please be in touch with your regional council.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

March 21 Is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Each year, we mark March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This is a particular time to focus on anti-racist actions and to dismantling racism in all its forms.

For this year, we invite you to explore—and share!—the United Church’s brand-new list, 10 Additional Ways to Work Towards Anti-Racism. Please feel free to post this list on social media, to note it in your church bulletin or newsletter, or to add it as a link on your own church website!

[Image credit: The Government of Canada]

United in Learning: Wait—Is this Racist? Webinar

Starting April 22, join a community of people from across the church who are exploring anti-racist practices! Together, and with themes from the book Wait—Is This Racist? A Guide to Becoming an Anti-Racist Church, we will explore practical ways of co-creating anti-racist congregations. As part of the first session, Kerry Connelly, the author of the book will join us.

Come as a community of faith team:

Receive two copies of the book.
Work together as a group on action plans.
Create change in your congregation!

Your Mission and Service Stories: Preserving Culture through Language Revitalization

Take a moment to think about your favourite story. Now imagine that story being at risk of disappearing because the language it’s written in is endangered. This is something that nine Elders from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, are passionately trying to change. Your gifts to Mission and Service support programs and partnerships for Indigenous cultural revitalization around the world.

[Photo credit: Haida Gwaii Skidegate]

Flourishing with André Picard and Moderator Carmen Lansdowne

From Struggling to Thriving: How to Revitalize Canada’s Medicare System: Join Moderator Carmen Lansdowne and respected health journalist André Picard. As a keynote event in the Moderator’s Flourishing initiative, Picard will reflect on which changes would transform medicare from a “sickness care” system to a “health care” system. Open to everyone. April 11, 6:30 p.m., Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Rd., Halifax, NS. Registration and tickets available on Eventbrite. Early Bird 2-for-1 pricing, $50 until March 22!

Flourishing Workshop: Is Your Church Flourishing? Moderator Carmen Lansdowne and Cameron Fraser, Director of Growth for The United Church of Canada, will conduct a free workshop for congregations with a view to dreaming great ideas into reality. Spend the day reflecting and engaging in energizing activities towards dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities. Open to everyone. April 13, 9:30-4:00 p.m., Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS. Free registration.

These events are in-person only and will not be livestreamed. See the United Church website for other locations the Moderator will be holding events in 2024.

[Image credit: Courtesy of André Picard and Carmen Lansdowne]

The United Church Bookstore: Deepen your faith and inspire action with Called to Act

Called to Act ignites our faith and compels us to action! Inspired by Mark's gospel, this book offers powerful prayers that echo the joys and challenges of life. Worship leaders will find fresh inspiration, while everyone can explore faith through a thought-provoking study guide. Written by David Sparks, Called to Act invites us to deepen our connection with God and pursue justice in the world.

[Image credit: mammuth | iStockphoto.com and The United Church of Canada]