Tuesday, July 22, 2025

E-ssentials: Meet the 2025 Climate Motivators, 40 Days of Anti-Rascim Returns, and more!

2025 Climate Motivators Meet Ahead of Epic Cross-Country Train Journey

[Image credit: Lori-Ann Livingston]
 

Ten climate motivators, two coordinators, two supervisors and General Council Office staff met at Five Oaks, Paris, ON, recently, to get to know one another, and to plan their climate projects for the year.

The motivators include: Kaleo Duncanson-Hales (Sudbury, ON); Nathan Fawkes Talbot (Vancouver, BC); Sifa Kanyamuneza (Kitchener, ON); Hannah Polasek (Carberry, MN); Jackson Rukundo (Kitchener, ON); Jayden Schettler (Brandon, MN); Isla Sheridan-Jonah (Burlington, ON); Blessing Nyasha Tiriwepi and Brian Tiriwepi (Thunder Bay, ON), and Primrose Watson-Leung (Brampton, ON). The climate coordinators are Catherine Bergs and Blessing Tiriwepi.

To read about their climate projects for 2025, see the download section at the bottom of the news story page.

Four of the climate motivators, all from Ontario, will also put their passion for climate advocacy into action as they travel by train from their hometowns out to The United Church of Canada’s 45th General Council, held in Calgary, AB, from August 7-11. 

Learn more and read the full news story

45th General Council to Reaffirm Commitment to Thursdays in Black

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

The United Church's 45th General Council opens on Thursday, August 7. That Thursday — and on Thursdays that follow — people are invited to reaffirm a commitment to the Thursdays in Black campaign. This global initiative, protests gender-based violence—especially during wars and conflicts.

The campaign was started by the World Council of Churches.

As part of your commitment to Thursdays in Black, we ask you to raise your voices and speak out against colonization, racism, and the injustice of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) people:  

  • Become an informed ally. 
  • Spread awareness. 
  • Share missing persons news and posters as they are released. 
Wear black every Thursday in solidarity! Let's challenge injustice together.
Learn more and read the full news story

Calling All Leaders: 40 Days on Anti-Racism Returns in October

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

The United Church's popular 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism program is back in October 2025 with brand-new content focusing on congregational engagement and "Toward 2035."

This year, get a downloadable folder packed with materials (14 short videos, prayers, action items, and more) to run a seven-week anti-racism program in your community. Sign up to download it the week of September 8th—we'll send a reminder!

You can also join online events on CHURCHx and connect with a network discussing anti-racism. While the program usually runs from after Thanksgiving to just before Advent, you can explore it anytime.

Read the full news story for more details and to sign up for the anti-racism newsletter to stay updated!

Learn more and read the full news story

World Council of Churches Webinar: Anti-Racism and the Second International Decade for People of African Descent

[Image credit:The United Church of Canada]
 
You're invited to a critical online discussion from the World Council of Churches (WCC), focusing on the prophetic role of Christian anti-racism actors in the "Second International Decade of Solidarity with People of African Descent."

This powerful event will feature keynote insights from prominent global leaders within the United Nations system:
  • Dr. Ashwini KP, UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism
  • Dr. Barbara G. Reynolds, Member, UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
  • Dr. Michael McEachrane, Member, UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
Join us for this essential conversation to reimagine the future and take the first step in building a global Christian response to racialized injustice.

Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. CET/ 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Online Event – Open to all upon registration
Register to Secure Your Spot!

100 Words of Hope: Moments of Grace

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

In our latest "100 Words of Hope" blog, we invite you to pause and reflect with three beautiful prayers and reflections. This week, we're featuring a powerful piece to start your journey:
 

Listen

listen • they’re in the silence scattered throughout the music moments of grace signaling a dynamic shift a change in tempo • they’re in the ocean’s sighs after it sends its waves crashing against the shore and in the hush that follows a summer storm • when prayers deferred and words unspoken are finally released – hesitantly humbly – they’re in the calm before the blessing • listen • when passion and purpose are reclaimed when the everyday becomes sacred • listen be still know • they’re moments of grace whispers of the Divine • listen

—Florence Niven, Edith Rankin Memorial United Church, Kingston, ON


Ready to explore more? Read "Compare the Trees" and "Pass It On" and share your own "100 Words of Hope."

Read the latest "100 Words of Hope" Blog

Mission and Service: 2025 Northern Pastors Retreat – You’re Making It Possible

[Image still credit: The United Church of Canada]

This fall, Northern Indigenous ministers will gather for a vital time of rest, renewal, and shared support. Many of these leaders serve communities profoundly impacted by recent wildfires, guiding their people through immense hardship. Their need for this gathering has become even more urgent.

Because of your generosity, this retreat is now a reality. Your support creates a sacred space for healing and restoration—a truly rare and meaningful gift for ministers in remote communities who carry so much.

If you've already given, thank you. If you feel moved to contribute again, or for the first time, know your gift will be deeply felt.

Thank you for standing with those who lead with courage, care, and spirit.
Learn more about the Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat

The United Church Bookstore: Discover Then Let Us Sing!

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

The United Church of Canada's centennial year continues to be a time of celebration and sharing! We're thrilled to re-introduce Then Let Us Sing!, our 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, is rolling out over the next few months, offering vocal scores for the entire collection.

Want to learn more about the digital platform? Head over to ThenLetUsSing.ca.

Get the Full Music Choir and Accompanist Editions

Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

Seventh after Pentecost - July 27, 2025
Eighth after Pentecost - August 3, 2025
Emancipation Sunday - August 3, 2025
Ninth after Pentecost - August 10, 2025
Tenth after Pentecost - August 17, 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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