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, March 12, 2024
E-ssentials: Protect the Rights and Freedoms of 2SLGBTQIA+ People, Vote on Remit 1, and more!
Protect the Rights and Freedoms of 2SLGBTQIA+ People
March 14 is PIE Day. The United Church of Canada joins Affirm United/S’affimer Ensemble and Affirming Connections in urging individuals and communities of faith across Canada to commit to concerted efforts to be Public, Intentional, and Explicit (PIE) in the public square.
There has been an exponential rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate-fueled movements, hate crimes, and hate speech across Canada. Anti-trans policies and policy proposals are emerging provincially and federally. There is also an alarming wave of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ demonstrations, vandalism, and assaults on affirming clergy and faith communities.
Join the call to action to promote and protect the rights and freedoms of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, particularly the outward acts of transphobia. Find out what you can do, and check out the new National Affirming/PIE Day video on The United Church of Canada's YouTube Channel.
[Image credit: Maicon Fonseca Zanco from Pixabay]
Less Than Three Weeks to Vote on the Remit!
Thank you to all of the pastoral charges that have already submitted their votes for Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization!
With less than three weeks to go, we encourage all governing boards to vote if they haven't already. As a reminder, the size of your pastoral charge doesn't matter. Participation from every community of faith community is vital in this process.
Starting April 22, join a community of people from across the church who are exploring anti-racist practices! Together, and with themes from the bookWait—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.
Audacious Hope, a national gathering for youth, young adults, and their leaders, is happening July 3-6, 2024, at Brock University, St. Catharines, ON. Audacious Hope is an exciting new partnership between the Rendez-vous team of The United Church of Canada and the LIFT team of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Come pray—with inspiring worship speakers Adele Halliday and Mitchell Anderson. Come play—how about silent disco or square dancing? Come ponder—with Moderator Carmen Lansdowne about how to find and offer hope in today's world.
Registration opens April 15. Early bird registration from April 15‒May 15: $425. May 16‒31 registration fee: $500. Registration will close May 31, 2024. Find out more.
In conjunction with Audacious Hope, The United Church of Canada is also offering a special Ecumenical Young Adult Learning Community program (18‒25 year olds) to explore faith and social justice with global peers. This program includes workshops, cultural exchange, and participation in the Audacious Hope event (July 3‒7). Visit our Opportunities webpage to learn more, and apply for this special program by April 30!
[Image credit: Audacious Hope]
Your Mission and Service Stories: Social Support through Education
In Sambir, Ukraine, English teacher Ilona encourages her learners to enjoy social time with one another while learning English. This class, supported by Mission and Service partner ACT Alliance, is part of a psychosocial support program for Ukrainians displaced by war. Thank you for the support you show through Mission and Service as our neighbours endure the ongoing impacts of war and conflict.
[Photo credit:Simon Chambers/ACT Alliance]
The United Church Bookstore: Effortless Easter Planning Starts Here!
Shop our complete collection of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter church supplies. Find items like bulletins, Easter offering envelopes, and candles alongside essential communion sets and worship resources.
Orders over $100 qualify for free shipping when you enter the discount code FREESHIPPING at checkout.
[Image credit: Canva]
Worship Resources
See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.
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