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.
Thursday, October 2, 2025
E-ssentials: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Reflections, Give Thanks and Give Back, and more!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events Provide Moment for Reflection
[Image credit: Sara Stratton]
On September 30, United Church members and communities across the nation took a moment to reflect solemnly on the legacy of the residential school system and the church's commitment to Reconciliation. Leaders attended key National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation events throughout September like "Remembering the Children" on Parliament Hill and the youth gathering "The Gifts We Carry." The Moderator, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, affirmed her resolve to continue the long road of Reconciliation after helping carry the Memorial Cloth, while Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator Sara Stratton urged the church to listen, challenge white privilege, and recognize that colonial policies continue to harm Indigenous peoples today.
Read the full reflections from the Moderator, Sara Stratton, and United Church student Kupa Munikwa in the latest news story.
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Toronto Metropolitan United Marks Truth and Reconciliation Day with Reimagined Norval Morrisseau Artwork
[Image credit: Metropolitan United Church | Robert Wojtkowicz]
In commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Toronto Metropolitan United Church held a dedicated service this past Sunday that tied a part of Indigenous cultural history to the present. Philip Cote, an Indigenous artist, Elder, and knowledge-keeper, shared a reimagining of the highly influential Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau’s renowned six-panel painting Man Changing into Thunderbird.
Cote was present to reflect on his work, Morrisseau’s legacy, and Orange Shirt Day. Comparing his reimagining to the Indigenous oral storytelling tradition, he spoke of bringing the work into our time, and the need for unity, healing, and renewal.
The event was tied to an ongoing collaboration between Morrisseau’s estate and Metropolitan United Church; the church is also currently hosting an exhibition of giclee reproductions of the late artist’s work.
Rev. Jason Meyers of Metropolitan United told Broadview that the collaboration with Cote and with Morrisseau’s estate is intended to communicate to Indigenous communities that “despite the historic and monumental harms, the trauma and cultural genocide, the church is wanting to be partners and be part of the healing of that is broken among us.”
Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice: New General Council Executive Sets Course
[Image credit: Courtesy of LA Livingston]
The inaugural meeting of the 45th General Council Executive of the United Church of Canada convened in Toronto from September 25–28, welcoming both new and returning members for orientation. This Executive serves as the church's primary decision-making body between General Council meetings and includes the includes Moderator Heath, the General Secretary, and 15 members from across Canada.
Members like Nia Bentayen and Rev. Michael Caveney shared their commitment to embodying Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice, and Deep Spirituality while contributing their individual voices to the church's wider vision. The session set the tone for the Executive's work, which aims to empower people and engage in transformative practices for the church's future.
Campaign Raised More Than $31K for Indigenous Education
[Image credit: Courtesy of Lori-Ann Livingston]
Alvin William Dixon (1937–2014), a respected Heiltsuk First Nation Elder, was taken from his family at age 10 to the Alberni Indian Residential School on Vancouver Island, where he survived years of abuse. Eventually, he enrolled at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, as one of six First Nations students at the school. A respected leader, he advocated for Indigenous education.
To honour his commitment, The United Church of Canada established the Alvin Dixon Memorial Bursary Fund to support Indigenous students in post-secondary education. This fund is supported, in part, by the triennial Alvin Dixon Memorial Run/Walk, which recently raised a record-breaking $31,000.
Mission and Service Stories: Preparing a Place of Healing
[Image credit: Jean-Daniel Bourgault | Pixabay]
United Church ministers serving in northern communities will soon gather at Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre in Manitoba for a time of healing and renewal.
The outpouring of support from across the church has been remarkable. Your generosity is creating a space where ministers, who are so often the ones offering care, can finally receive it themselves.
The ministers will soon step away from the constant demands of ministry and into a circle of care, healing, and renewal. And when they return to their communities, they will carry back not only renewed strength but also the reminder that they are not alone.
Explore this short promotional video to for an overview, and for video highlights about this year’s program.
You can find everything online for engaging throughout this fall season (October 14 through November 28) or for at any time of year.
Here’s what is now available:
14 video reflections—two for each week (Oct. 14–Nov. 28). Each video comes in a 1-minute version (ideal for social media) as well as a 3-minute version.
Also 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.
Love words, details, and making things clearer? Express interest in The Manual Committee!
We’re on the hunt for sharp minds with writing chops, analytical flair, and a collaborative spirit. Legal know-how, theological insight, or intercultural experience? Even better! Help shape the living document that guides our church.
The 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism offer opportunities to delve deeply into anti-racism work with many ways to participate including this anti-racism collection. Use discount code 40DAYS to receive 15% off your purchase of two or more featured books.
[Canada Post’s labour negotiations have resulted in a temporary hiatus in order delivery. All orders will be held in the short-term and any orders that could not be shipped before this announcement will have their shipping costs refunded.]
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