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, October 8, 2025
E-ssentials: Introducing Moderator Kimberly Heath, Pray with Gaza, Thanksgiving Appeal, and more!
Introducing the 45th Moderator of The United Church of Canada
[The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, 45th Moderator of the United Church of Canada. Credit: The United Church of Canada]
The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, 45th Moderator of the United Church of Canada, shares her call for Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice in a time of rapid change and deep uncertainty.
In this video message, the 45th Moderator of The United Church of Canada introduces herself as a minister of 26 years, a follower of Jesus, and a leader committed to meeting the challenges of the world and the church today.
Moderator Heath finds strength in learning to trust the river of God's lifegiving, transforming love, which she has seen ripple through communities and out into the world. Her promise is to be deeply rooted in faith, bold in following Jesus, and daring in standing with courage in places of injustice.
Bring Them All Home Now: A Statement for the Second Anniversary of October 7
[Photo: Public Domain Pictures / Petr Kratochvil]
Today, October 7, marks two years since the horrific escalation of violence in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The United Church of Canada calls again for the immediate and safe release of all remaining hostages from inside Israel who are held captive in Gaza by Hamas, including the dignified and respectful return of the remains of all hostages who have died in Gaza to their families. We also echo the cries of Palestinians for the release of their loved ones held in Israeli prisons.
The United Church urges people to write their MPs and continues to call on the Government of Canada to:
Ensure immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza
Urge the immediate and unconditional release of all captives, both Israeli and Palestinian
Secure an immediate, sustained ceasefire
Impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel
End the occupation, paving the way for a just and lasting peace.
Moderator Kimberly Heath will be inviting the church to join her in prayer and fasting for an end to violence in the region, particularly in Gaza.
Read the full news story and find out more. You can download liturgical resources to mark this day from our website.
Pray, Fast, Act: Stand with Gaza—Wednesdays in October
In this time of deep suffering and urgent need, we invite you to join a sacred movement of prayer, fasting, and advocacy for Palestinians in Gaza. Each Wednesday in October, starting October 8, led by the Right Rev. Moderator Kimberly Heath, we will gather on Zoom at 11:00 a.m. ET for a 30-minute prayer circle focused on themes of compassion, justice, and peace.
Together, we will:
Pray for healing and hope
Fast in solidarity with those who hunger
Act through meaningful action and advocacy
Light a candle for peace (bring your candle to the webinar)
Each week will center on a specific theme:
Week 1 (Oct. 8): Food, Fasting, and Aid
Week 2 (Oct. 15): Release of All Captives
Week 3 (Oct. 22): Children and the Vulnerable
Week 4 (Oct. 29): Peace and Remembrance
We’ll also offer weekly actions—from writing to your MP to supporting aid efforts through Mission and Service—so your prayers can ripple outward into real-world impact.
You can find everything online for engaging throughout this fall season (October 14 through November 28) or at any time of year. Here’s what’s available:
To accompany each video: prayers, worship prompts, suggestions for congregational actions, ideas for study groups and individuals, and a children’s activity. These are all available as a free downloadable zip file by registering on CHURCHx.
Each video comes in a 1-minute version (ideal for social media) and a 3-minute version. The videos can be used in a variety of ways: shown in worship, added to an e-newsletter, linked to from a church website, shared on social media, used in a study or youth group, or explored for individual use.
Mission and Service Stories: Setting More Tables Together
[Image credit: Dreamstime]
At this time of Thanksgiving, we turn our hearts to gratitude, acknowledging that food is a sign of God’s care and abundance for all people. Your generosity through Mission and Service is essential to this vision—helping communities from Zimbabwe to Northern Canada access nutritious food and creating tables of welcome in local community centers.
However, the ongoing Canada Post strike has severely impacted the delivery of our physical appeal.
To ensure your vital gift reaches those in need immediately this Thanksgiving, we urgently ask you to make a gift online or by phone. We truly need your help right now to keep this crucial work going. Please give the gift of food and hope today:
Become a More Effective Advocate: Join the "Succeed at Advocacy" Webinars this Fall!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Want to make a bigger difference with the Government of Canada? Join the United Church's "Succeed at Advocacy" online community and webinar series to become a more effective advocate.
You'll gain the skills to build strong relationships with your Member of Parliament (MP) and ensure your voice is heard.
Upcoming Webinar Sessions (Day and Evening Sessions)
Succeed at Advocacy: Meet Your New Government –Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET or Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Succeed at Advocacy: Why a Community of Practice? – Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET or 7:00 p.m. ET.
The United Church Bookstore: 2026 Canadian Church Calendar
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Celebrate United Churches across Canada with the New 2026 Canadian Church Calendar! Focusing on the theme of "A New Heaven and a New Earth," this bilingual calendar features colourful photos from communities of faith across the country plus all the special days, church seasons, and lectionary dates.
Order in bulk to save! Receive:
10% off when you order a minimum of 10 calendars
15% off when you order a minimum of 25 calendars
20% off when you order a minimum of 50 calendars
Discounts will automatically apply to qualifying carts. Get your copy today!
[Orders are currently being shipped via Canpar Ground Service during the Canada Post labour strike. We are only able to ship orders to street addresses at this time. Orders to PO Boxes or apartment addresses will be held until further notice.]
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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