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, July 29, 2025
E-ssentials: Apology to 2S and LGBTQIA + Communities Updates, Orange Shirt Day, and more!
Updates on Participation and Gathering Spaces Around the Apology
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
The United Church of Canada will offer an historic apology for ways in which the denomination has hurt and harmed 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities within and beyond the United Church. The apology will take place in the context of a special livestreamed worship service on Friday, August 8. The service will be held at Knox United Church, 506 4 St. SW, Calgary, Alberta at 9:00 a.m MT.
All are welcome to attend in person, and the service will also be available on Zoom with English and French interpretation. Online participants are invited to have a bowl of water and branches for a special blessing.
For General Council attendees: In-person attendance and a closed lunch for 2S and LGBTQIA+ participants with support.
For non-GC participants in Calgary: An in-person gathering at Knox United Church, hosted by Affirm United/S'affirmer ensemble and Affirming Connections, with pastoral care and refreshments.
For online participants: Stay in the Zoom room for hosted conversations or request individual pastoral care.
Regional Group Gatherings: Some regional councils and communities of faith are hosting local viewing gatherings.
The full worship liturgy will also be posted online on the day of the apology.
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.
The United Church of Canada invites and encourages communities of faith to:
Mark Orange Shirt Sunday in Your Community of Faith
[Image credit: Trenton United Church]
On September 30, wear an orange shirt to say that Every Child Matters. And on September 28, mark Orange Shirt Sunday in your community of faith.
This year in particular we ask you to honour the children with a gift or special offering to the Healing Fund, which supports initiatives for survivors of the residential school system and its ongoing intergenerational impacts.
On September 30, we also invite you to join in the Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event on Parliament Hill. This 90-minute program is a united effort of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Algonquin Nation, APTN, and CBC/Radio-Canada. It begins at 3:00 p.m. ET and all are welcome. Not near Ottawa? It will also be broadcast live on APTN and on YouTube.
Thinking Ahead (Way Ahead!): Advent Unwrapped in July
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
We know what you're thinking: "Advent? In July? Are they getting a head start a little too early?" While the sun is blazing and ice cream is practically a food group, the Advent Unwrapped team is busy preparing another season of meaningful worship, heartfelt prayers, and fun activity ideas. This year, look forward to exciting new additions, including Q&A sessions and deeper dives into the Book of Isaiah (and more!).
Sign up for the Advent Unwrapped newsletter today. We'll start dropping off spiritual care packages straight to your inbox as early as September and continuing right through to the Advent season. Think of it as your future self saying "thank you" for getting organized now!
We promise our offerings will be nourishing, comforting, challenging, and joy-filled... even if you're signing up in your flip-flops!
Mission and Service Story: Wonder and Worship in the Wilderness
[Image credit: Cave Springs Camp]
United Church camps create space forchildren and youthto grow in faith, friendship, and love for the earth. Among whispering trees and winding trails, young hearts open to wonder, discovery, and connection.
This kind of connection can change lives. It encourages gratitude, deepens compassion, and nurtures a love for the Earth that lasts long after camp ends.
Thanks to your support of Mission and Service, these life-giving experiences continue, not only at Cave Springs, but at all United Church camps. You are helping young people grow in spirit, courage, and care.
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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