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, June 17, 2025
E-ssentials: Action and Affirmation for Pride 2025, Get Ready for GC45, and more!
Pride Month: Action and Affirmation
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
As we hit the halfway point of Pride Month 2025, The United Church of Canada continues to proudly be in solidarity with 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, affirming everyone's sacred worth and dignity.
There's still time to get involved! Join our Love, Faith and Bold Action letter-writing campaign to urge the Canadian government to uphold and advance the rights of gender-diverse, 2S, and LGBTQIA+ people globally. Your voice makes a difference.
Visit our website to learn more about these campaigns and how you can get involved. Let's keep making this Pride Month a time of both celebration and meaningful action!
Regional Councils Celebrate 100 Years of The United Church of Canada
From coast to coast, all 16 Regional Councils came together to mark the 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada! Watch these inspiring one-minute video tributes from the heart of our local communities of faith, highlighting the vital role these regions play in carrying out the church's work. It's a testament to the enduring spirit and connections that have defined our church for 100 years.
Act Now for Peace in Gaza: Your Faith Calls You to Justice!
[Image credit: Jeffrey / Act Alliance]
Our faith compels us to act for a just and lasting peace in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to demand an immediate end to the starvation of Gaza. Women’s Voice for Gaza remind us “This is our kairos moment—a time pregnant with divine possibility amid unspeakable suffering.”
Throughout June, The United Church of Canada invites and encourages communities of faith to:
General Council 45 Livestream Agenda and Calendar of Events!
Join us for General Council 45 (GC45) of The United Church of Canada, where the future of our church takes shape! As the denomination's key decision-making body, the General Council is responsible for vital matters of doctrine, worship, governance, and public witness.
While the full General Council gathers, we invite you to be part of this significant event by tuning into our livestreamed sessions. Witness the discussions, decisions, and spirit of our church community from wherever you are.
The Constitution of GC45 livestream is happening this Sunday, June 22at 4:00 p.m. ET . Don't miss this opportunity to stay up to date with the visionaries and dreamers of GC45 as they convene online for their opening worship, procedural motions, and the introduction of ecumenical and global guests.
40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism Returns in Fall 2025
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
The United Church's 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism program returns this October, offering practical learning, prayers, and actionable ideas for congregations. Designed by United Church members, this year introduces new short videos for worship and social media, focusing on congregational engagement and "Toward 2035." A series of online events will also be available on CHURCHx and social media. While typically running from after Thanksgiving to Advent, you can explore this impactful program at any time; sign up for the anti-racism newsletter to stay informed.
Mission and Service Stories: Gathering to Remember, Reconnect, and Renew
[Image credit: Mamawe Ota Askihk]
The 2023 Mamawe Ota Askihk gathering, supported by your Mission and Service gifts, created a sacred space for Indigenous children, youth, and families. Hosted by Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, 31 participants reconnected with culture, language, and one another through hands-on workshops, powerful ceremonies like sweat lodges, and vibrant evenings around the sacred fire.
With the crucial involvement of the Neechi Youth Camp, the gathering fostered deep intergenerational connections and profound healing, reminding participants they are connected and not alone. Your generosity through Mission and Service makes this vital cultural renewal possible.
In 2019, The United Church undertook a significant restructuring, moving from four courts to three councils. Now, five years later, we're evaluating this change against its original goals.
A survey has been sent to all pastoral charges (for Board/Council completion), ministry personnel, and relevant regional and General Council staff. We've engaged Credence and Co. to ensure anonymous and unbiased data collection and analysis.
While the survey doesn't include a comments section due to cost, your input is crucial. If you haven't received it, please check your junk mail and ensure your ChurchHub email is correct. The survey closes on June 22, 2025, so please respond promptly.
Worship Resources
See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.
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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