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, August 6, 2025
E-ssentials: General Council 45 Opens This Week! Here's What You Need to Know...
45th General Council Opens August 7-11
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
It’s almost here! The 45th General Council of The United Church of Canada constituted online in June, and now, the in-person portion of the Council starts on August 7 at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Participants may also join online, and the livestream of the plenary sessions is available on the United Church YouTube channel.
The new Moderator will be selected by August 9, and installed on August 11.
Other highlights include:
Thursday, August 7: Dinner and meet-and-greet with commissioners and Moderator nominees; preview events and renewed commitment to Thursdays in Black.
Monday, August 11: Installation of the new Moderator, Knox United Church, 506 4 St. SW, Calgary, Alberta. Scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT.
There will be music, inspiring worship, and learning times built around themed proposals. Don’t forget Youth Forum, climate motivators, and leadership animators will be fully participating in the Council. Follow United Church social media and YouTube for updates, video summaries, special features and highlights.
Mark your calendars! Join us for a special Cross Country Check-In on September 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.ET, where we'll introduce the new Moderator and General Council Executive (GCE) members. We'll also share important details about the upcoming General Council Executive meeting in September.
Ask your questions, share what matters to you, and hear what’s ahead for this triennium.
This live online town hall is your chance to meet new leaders and be heard by the church’s decision-making body between General Councils.
Everyone is welcome. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the conversation!
A French-language-only version of Cross Country Check-In will be held on September 22, 2025 6:00 p.m. ET.
We Must Act: New Report Reveals Canada’s Ongoing Arms Exports to Israel
[Image credit: Arms Embargo Now]
A new report from Arms Embargo Now reveals that Canadian-made weapons—including bullets, fighter jet parts, and surveillance systems—have continued to reach Israel throughout the genocide Israel is waging in Gaza, despite government claims to the contrary.
We continue to pray alongside global partners in Palestine and commit to action. Advocate to end Canadian complicity in the genocide by:
This Friday: Historic Apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ Communities
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
This Friday, August 8, The United Church of Canada will offer a somber and historic apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities. This service acknowledges the deep and lasting harm caused by the church, both in the past and still today. It's a difficult but necessary step towards healing and reaffirming our commitment to radical inclusion.
We invite you to be part of this profoundly significant livestreamed worship service:
When: Friday, August 8, at 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET)
Where: Knox United Church, 506 4 St. SW, Calgary, Alberta, and livestreamed online.
The service is open to anyone who would like to attend in person; it will also be available on Zoom, with live interpretation in English and French. Register here.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada Foundation]
You're invited to the 4th Alvin Dixon Memorial Walk/Run/Roll, a beloved triennial event that brings United Church people together across the country. This year, it’s also an official part of General Council 45 in Calgary — but no matter where you are, you can take part.
The event officially begins August 10, 2025, and you can participate throughout August, choosing your own distance, route, and time. Whether you walk, run, roll, or simply donate, you'll be supporting a vital cause.
All funds raised go directly to the Alvin Dixon Memorial Bursary Fund, which provides financial assistance to Indigenous students pursuing higher education. This fund keeps alive the powerful legacy of Alvin Dixon (1937-2014), a residential school survivor and dedicated advocate for Indigenous youth and education.
How you can get involved:
Organize a walk/run with your Community of Faith or group.
Participate individually or with a friend.
Sponsor a participant or group.
Make a direct contribution to the fund.
Your support helps empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
"A legacy gift is an expression of hope,” says General Secretary The Rev. Michael Blair. “Collectively, our gifts can make a difference for your community of faith and for the denomination as a whole."
As part of the United Church of Canada Centennial celebrations, we’re inviting congregations to be a part of a national legacy campaign! There are dozens of free campaign resources to help your congregation build a strong legacy giving program.
Answer God’s call to support and grow the church and get involved at CentennialCampaign.ca
When the church gathers in love, listens in faith, and decides with courage, something beautiful is born...a church ready to move forward, together.
Through your gifts to Mission and Service, General Council flourishes as more than a meeting. It becomes a gathering where young voices are amplified, where global partners are present, where accessibility matters, and where everyone has a seat at the table.
The United Church Bookstore: Something for Everyone!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Show your spirit and support The United Church of Canada with our diverse range of merchandise! We've got something for everyone, whether you're looking to show your pride, commemorate significant events, or collect a piece of history!
Special Note: The United Church Bookstore is at the 45th General Council until August 13. During this time, we will be unavailable by phone, but you can reach us by email at info@ucrdstore.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!
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