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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
E-ssentials: The Moderator's Easter Message, Election Resources, Earth Week, and more!
Easter Reminds Us That Love and Forgiveness Are the Paths to a Better Future
In her Easter message, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne connects the transformative power of Easter with the prophetic vision of Isaiah 65:17. Just as Easter demonstrates the possibility of resurrection and new life, Isaiah speaks of God creating "new heavens and a new earth." In these uncertain times, we explore how the hope of Easter and the promise of new creation can guide us forward, reminding us that love and forgiveness are the paths to a better future.
[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]
Mission and Service: Let's Celebrate Easter, Together!
Easter is both a puzzle and a paradox. It’s simultaneously somber and joyful, a time of both sadness and celebration. It straddles winter and spring, riding the line between long nights and bright mornings. As we move forward, we move into the light of Jesus’ resurrection.
Mission and Service is an active embodiment of God’s love, and of Jesus’ call to love our neighbours. A gift this Easter to Mission and Service is more than a gift—it’s a triumphant, defiant proclamation of “He is Risen!” A way to turn your compassion and joy into meaningful hope and change for people in need across Canada and around the world. Pleaseconsider a gift this Easter, and help foster lasting change in communities worldwide.
Cast a Vision of Hope, Love, and Empathy into the Election Conversation
As Canadians head to the polls on April 28, our faith reminds us to strive for a society rooted in justice, compassion, and the recognition of everyone's inherent worth.
In times such as these you may feel overwhelmed, hopeless or reacting to fear. With so much at stake, it is more important than ever to engage. The United Church of Canada has provided a powerful framework to cast a vision of hope, love, and empathy into the election conversation. Please consider using these resources:
Vote, and encourage others to vote. Watch and share this NEW video for voting inspiration, featuring many United Church voices, including former Moderator Marion Pardy.
Loved into being, by the Creator, creatures revealing beauty divine. Precious your textures, exquisite your colours, diverse beyond measure, bold your design.
Christ interrupting, all our injustice, bold love disrupting failures to care. Seeking our witness, equity flowering, daring within us, redress and repair.
Spirit unfolding, forging connexions, deep in belonging, each find their place. Risking inclusion, mutually transforming, beloved perfusion, abundant in grace.
Torn and divided, forgetting your promise, needing reminded just whose we are. Rethread your vision, restore our fabric Weaver Christ risen, mending us all.
—Rev. Jennifer Henry (she/her), Executive Minister, Organizational Development and Strategy Unit
We encourage you to continue sharing your own "100 Words of Hope" (prayers, poems, or reflections) through the online submission form.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Earth Week, April 20 – 27, Starts on Sunday
Earth Week begins this Easter Sunday, April 20, and culminates in Earth Sunday, April 27. Join friends in faith across the country in prayer, learning, and action for climate justice. Your participation matters!
Let's Build Spaces of Welcome and Affirmation for All!
Amid rising anti Two-Spirit-LGBTQIA+ sentiment and global setbacks, queer and trans communities face growing discrimination fueled by colonialism, inequity, and anti-gender movements—including in Canada. Yet courageous advocates, faith leaders, and allies are driving change, championing radical inclusion and hope. Their message is clear: no matter who you are or where you’ve been, you belong. In challenging times, they’re building spaces of welcome and affirmation for all.
Join The United Church of Canada’s Love, Faith, and Bold Action webinar speaker seriesstarting May 6, 2025 for an opportunity to listen, learn, and act in solidarity with global leaders who are transforming faith spaces into spaces of inclusion and justice for Two Spirit-LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Supporting Nunavut's First-ever Community Foundation
The United Church of Canada Foundation is pleased to announce a $25,000 grant to Annauma Community Foundation! The grant is part of the Caring North Campaign, Annauma’s inaugural fundraising program to support community-led initiatives that directly impact and improve the lives of Inuit in Nunavut. Learn more.
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