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, June 11, 2025
E-ssentials: 100 Years of Faith, Love, and Community!
A Moving Celebration of 100 Years of Faith, Love, and Community!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
The Centennial Service, held on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, at Gower Street United Church in St. John’s, NL, was a moving celebration of 100 years of faith, love, and community — and a bold call to the future.
The Spirit-filled worship featured local choirs and orchestra, vibrant liturgical dance echoing the flames of Pentecost, and music from Then Let Us Sing!, the United Church’s new worship resource.
Moderator The Rt. Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne and General Secretary Rev. Michael Blair presided at the service. The Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, preached a stirring message encouraging the church to continue in deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice.
A highlight was the dedication of a newly translated Mohawk Bible — a successor to the Union Bible prayed over at the church’s founding in 1925.
The service closed with an open invitation to Christ’s table, as Holy Communion brought all together in hope and grace.
If you missed the livestream, a recording is available on our YouTube channel! Plus, you can still find resources, merchandise, events, and historical milestones on the Centennial webpage.
100 Years, 100 Tables: National Initiative Launches at Metropolitan United
[Image credit: Metropolitan United Church]
Today, marks The United Church of Canada's 100th anniversary—an opportunity to honour our past and look to the future!
Celebrations are taking place across the country, including the launch of The United Church of Canada's 100 Years, 100 Tables, a national initiative inviting communities of faith to transform a picnic table into a site of welcoming that reflects the church’s century-long commitment to live out God's call to love and serve.
On June 8, hundreds gathered for the launch at Metropolitan United Church in Toronto with a joyful Pentecost celebration and community potluck.
These gatherings are visible signs of a promise: to meet people where they are, both spiritually and physically.
For 100 years, the church has nurtured communities—from ordaining women to working to advance 2S and LGBTQIA+ inclusion and continuing to prioritize Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, including a formal apology in 1986 for the church's role in colonization and residential schools. We have also made mistakes, and we commit to moving forward together in truth, healing, respect, and partnership. 100 Tables continues this journey, proclaiming that faith must meet people where they are with courage.
The centennial reminds us: joy is resistance. In the face of fear and injustice, we choose joy—not as escape but as a radical act of hope, rooted in the belief that love still reigns.
Keep The United Church Of Canada Vibrant for Generations To Come!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Today, as we in The United Church of Canada celebrate our Centennial, God is calling us to create a strong foundation for our next century. In doing so, we will ensure that the United Church of the future is one that is bold, and vibrant, and alive for another 100 years! Learn more about the Centennial Legacy Campaign.
Celebrating 100 Years Webinar: Honouring Our History, Looking to Our Future
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada Foundation]
The Foundation invites you on Thursday, June 12at 12:00 p.m. ET to join in celebrating 100 years of The United Church of Canada with special webinar, Celebrating 100 Years: Honouring Our History, Looking to Our Future! This webinar will showcase three exciting initiatives marking this historic milestone:
Sarah Charters, Foundation President, will share details about the Centennial Legacy Campaign.
Alan Lai, Foundation Director and photographer, will take us behind-the-scenes of A Place at the Table, a bold reimagining of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Cam Fraser, United Church of Canada Director of Growth and Ministry Development will share insights about the 100 Tables Initiative.
The United Church Bookstore: A Centennial of Song and Celebration
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Today, we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada, and there's so much to celebrate and share! We're thrilled to introduce Then Let Us Sing!, the United Church’s inspiring new hymnal featuring 165 new songs from diverse voices around the world.
The Full Music Choir and Accompanist editions of Then Let Us Sing! are available now at UCRDstore.ca. Plus, an online platform, accessible through ONE LICENSE, will begin rolling out over the next few months, eventually offering vocal and congregational scores for the entire collection. Want to learn more about the digital platform? Head over to ThenLetUsSing.ca.
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment