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, October 21, 2025
E-ssentials: A Second Chance to Give Hope, The Next Cross Country Check-In, and more!
A Second Chance to Give the Gift of Food and Hope
[Image credit: Dreamstime]
The recent Canada Post disruption severely impacted the delivery of the annual Mission and Service Thanksgiving Appeal. While Thanksgiving has come and gone, the need for your generosity is immediate, and the spirit of gratitude remains.
At this time of reflection, we recognize that food is a sign of God’s care and abundance for all people. Your gifts are essential to making this vision a reality—helping communities from Zimbabwe to Northern Canada access nutritious food and creating tables of welcome in local community centres.
The delayed physical mailing means that your crucial support for this work is urgently needed now. To ensure your vital gift reaches those in need without delay, please make a gift online or by phone today.
We truly need your help to keep this crucial work going. Please make a gift of food and hope:
Come to hear youth leaders Kupa Munikwa and Dorcus Annika Yohan talk about concerns youth have around housing and racialization and to learn more about what churches can do in response.
The event will be recorded and posted on YouTube within a week of October 22. Sign up for free on CHURCHx, and view past recordings online.
You can also download free congregational resources for the 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism—worship prompts, ideas for study groups, and more—from CHURCHx.
Each week of the 40 Days features 1-minute and 3-minute videos, each with an accompanying prayer. This week, consider exploring these videos:
In My Hair, My Rage, Inzwi Munikwa shares an experience that’s often seen as small but is really about consent, identity, and the cost of making racism “easier to hear.”
In Racism is a Spiritual Issue, Damber Khadka reflects on how racism denies the divine image in others—and why justice must begin with how we see one another.
Connect with church leaders! The Moderator, The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, and General Secretary, Rev. Michael Blair, invite you to a live online Cross Country Check-in with the General Council Executive (GCE) on November 18, 6:00–7:30 p.m. ET. This is an opportunity to put faces to names and engage directly with the GCE soon after their meeting, enriching preparations for GC45 and other key leadership meetings. Register today!
Pray, Fast, Act: Stand with Gaza—Wednesdays in October
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Each Wednesday in Octoberjoin usfor a sacred movement of prayer, fasting, and advocacy for Palestinians in Gaza, led by the Right Rev. Moderator Kimberly Heath. The next gathering is this Wednesday, October 22, meeting on Zoom at 11:00 a.m. ET for a 30-minute prayer circle focused on Children and the Vulnerable.
The final two themes for this month are:
Oct. 22: Children and the Vulnerable
Oct. 29: Peace and Remembrance
Together, we will:
Pray for healing and hope.
Fast in solidarity with those who hunger.
Act through meaningful advocacy.
Light a candle for peace (please bring a candle!).
Prayer has an impact. Specific weekly actions will be shared—from contacting an MP to supporting aid through Mission and Service—so commitment can translate intotangible, real-world change.
Mission and Service Stories: Healing with Horses—Transforming Through Trust
[Video credit: The United Church of Canada]
In Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, the Healing with Horses program connects people with the land and the gentle strength of horses to guide a healing journey. Central to the program are four rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses. This sacred breed of horse was stolen in the past, and their return is a profound act of resilience, reconciliation, and hope.
Supported by Mission and Service gifts, the program blends equine therapy with Anishinaabe teachings to foster emotional, spiritual, and cultural healing, helping participants find the courage to speak and reconnect with inner strength. Watch the video to see this life-changing work in action.
This Thursday! Voices of the Land: Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Justice
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
This Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. ETjoin the global conversation on Indigenous spiritualities, land rights, and climate justice. We invite you to a transformative webinar featuring three internationally respected Indigenous leaders who will help you deepen your understanding of decolonization and inspire you to advocate for Indigenous rights and climate action.
The United Church Bookstore: Get Your 2026 Canadian Church Calendar!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Celebrate United Churches across Canada! Focusing on the theme of A New Heaven and a New Earth this bilingual 2026 Canadian Church calendar features colourful photos from communities of faith across the country plus all the special days, church seasons, and lectionary dates.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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