Wednesday, February 5, 2025

E-ssentials: Honouring Black History Month, Nomination Calls, and more!

February is Black History Month


The United Church of Canada honours Black History Month. February is Black History (or African Heritage) Month, officially recognized in Canada since 1995. This is a time to honour the contributions and struggles of peoples of African descent in Canada and around the world.

Visit our website for worship resources for Black History Month, including services, prayers, blogs, and more. 

Unveil Something Sacred: A Lenten Journey Through Music and Faith

What music shapes your faith? Something Sacred: Reflections on Music and Faith is a new Lenten devotional that explores how music can deepen your connection to God and inspire your spiritual growth.

Elevate your Lenten experience by joining the six-week webinar series, Something Sacred Lenten Study. Discuss the devotional readings with the Rev. Stephen Fetter and others across the country, hear from the contributors themselves, and delve deeper into the themes of music and faith. Gain insights for a more fulfilling spiritual life.

Plus, all webinar participants will receive a coupon for 15% off the cost of Something Sacred: Reflection on Music and Faith from the United Church Bookstore!

The series takes place on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. ET from March 11–April 15, 2025.

Don't miss out! Register now on CHURCHx!

[Image credit: The United Chuch of Canada]


Call for Nominations!  

Who are the leaders, thinkers and doers that can guide the church following General Council 45? Nominations are now open for members of the General Council Executive, Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee, Nominations Committee and more. Opportunities with the Office of Vocation coming soon. 

Learn more about these and other volunteer opportunities. Deadline for applications is Thursday, March 20. 

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]


Celebrate International Development Week!

Join us in celebrating International Development Week across Canada now until Feb 8, 2025!

International Development Week shines a spotlight on work being done to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—a global roadmap to create a healthier, more equitable world for people and the planet by 2030.  

The United Church of Canada has a rich legacy of working with others in solidarity to reduce inequality, hunger, and poverty while striving for justice and peace. How is your Community of Faith addressing some of these or other global challenges locally? Learn more, and share your stories! 

Looking for inspiration? We are sharing stories throughout the week, check out the latest ones below, and stay tuned for more!

[Image credit: Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)]


Join the Moderator in Toronto for a Special Live Event on February 13

You don't want to miss this! Moderator Carmen Lansdowne and author Afdhel Aziz invite you to join them live in Toronto for a fireside chat on unleashing your ‘inner intrapreneur’. Discover your personal strengths, create a more meaningful career, and enhance your well-being. Get your tickets today!

Event Details
Date:
 Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Ticket Link: Reserve your spot!

[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]


Mission and Service Stories: Farming Against the Odds

In India, Jaiprakash Paharia, a farmer struggling with unpredictable harvests, turned to goat rearing for a better life. However, disease ravaged his flock, leaving him desperate.

Through Mission and Service partner Canadian Foodgrains Bank and EFICOR, Jaiprakash received training on livestock management, including vaccinations and deworming. This crucial support helped him safeguard his goats and secure a more stable future for his family.

Thank you for supporting our Mission and Service partners as they provide people around the world with the tools and understanding to sustain themselves as they walk toward the future. With newfound stability, they can secure their livelihoods and look ahead with hope.

[Image credit: Tearfund Canada]


Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

Stewardship Epiphany Resources: Discover Your Gifts—Share Your Gifts: Five Sundays in Epiphany
Fifth after Epiphany - February 9, 2025
Black History Month 2 - February 9, 2025
Sixth after Epiphany - February 16, 2025
Black History Month 3 - February 16, 2025
Black History Month 4 - February 23, 2025
Seventh after Epiphany - February 23, 2025
Transfiguration Sunday - March 2, 2025

For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
Important Note: The images included in this newsletter are protected by copyright. While we encourage you to share the newsletter itself, please don't copy or use the images independently. Thanks for your understanding!
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