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, November 12, 2025
E-ssentials: COP30 Indigenous Delegates and Candlelight Vigils, Peace and Prayers for Philippines, and more!
Indigenous Delegates at COP30 to Represent Turtle Island and United Church
[Image credit: Canva/ Photos courtesty of Joni Shawana and Samantha Miller]
The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30), which began on November 10 and runs until November 21, 2025, is currently underway at the doorway of Amazonia in Belém, Brazil. The United Church of Canada has two delegates participating as part of a nine-person KAIROS Canada delegation.
Samantha Miller (Haudenosaunee, Community Youth Member, Indigenous Ministries and Justice) and Joni Shawana (Anishnaabe, Healing Program Coordinator, Indigenous Ministries and Justice) have joined the KAIROS delegation, which is participating in both COP30 and the Peoples’ Summit for a time of community, advocacy, and learning.
All are invited to follow the delegation, to grow in understanding and commitment to live with respect in creation, and to support and amplify calls for climate, gender, and Indigenous justice. Learn more and get involved!
Attend or Host Candlelight Vigils for Climate Justice from Nov. 14-16
[Image credit: Canva]
The United Church of Canada is currently part of the KAIROS delegation at the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil, which runs until November 21. As world leaders gather, we invite your community to host or attend a candlelight vigil on the upcoming weekend of November 14–16. Vigils are being held on November 14 in Montreal, Parksville and Mill Bay, November 15 in Ottawa, and on November 16 in Cambridge and Newburgh. Join us to pray, witness, and demand that Canada stop subsidizing fossil fuels and provide fair climate financing for the Global South. Find resources, vigil locations, and the Jubilee 2025 petition. Learn more, and host/attend a vigil.
[Image credit: Painting by Ted Camahalan, Philippines]
The United Church of Canada is calling for public transparency and a full human-rights assessment following Canada's recent signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the Philippines. While the government frames the agreement as strengthening regional security, the United Church and human-rights advocates are deeply concerned that increased military cooperation could entangle Canada in operations linked to human-rights abuses in the region. Read the full new story.
Please also hold the people of the Philippines in your ongoing prayers as they deal with the devastating aftermath of Super Typhoon Fung-wong. Your support is crucial for immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in affected communities. Find prayer resources and donate to the relief efforts.
40 Days Live: Bible Study: Problematizing Mission and Decolonizing the Church—Today at 6:00 p.m. ET
[Image credit: Dreamstime]
Today, please join us online for a Bible study exploring mission and decolonization.
This session will explore: what does “mission” mean, and why can certain meanings be problematic? What’s the connection between mission and racialization? And does mission need to be decolonized?
In addition, every week of the 40 Days features 1-minute and 3-minute videos, each with an accompanying prayer.
This week, consider exploring these videos:
In Being in Right Relations, Samantha Miller invites us to move beyond checklists and into the heart of what it means to be in right relations—with ourselves, with one another, and with the land.
Next week! Connect with church leaders including The Moderator, The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, and General Secretary, Rev. Michael Blair, at the 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!
Mission and Service Stories: From Sleepless Nights to Shared Strength
[Image credit: Fairview Resource Centre]
At Fairview Resource Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the New Parents Support group aims to walk with parents as they navigate the complexities of raising a newborn. Once a week, parents gather to meet with a public health nurse who provides education and answers questions. From expectant parents to those with babies up to 18 months, the program provides resources for those who might not otherwise have access to in-person support or resources.
Your support of Mission and Service is vital to the continuation of incredible programs like these.
The United Church Bookstore: Read Former Moderator Carmen Lansdowne's New Book!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
The United Church Bookstore has an excellent collection of anti-racist titles as part of the 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism collection.
This might be the perfect time to pick up a copy of Wearing a Broken Indigene Heart on the Sleeve of Christian Mission, written by former Moderator Carmen Lansdowne. You might find this book to be an excellent companion piece for the 40 Days Live Event this week! Pick up this title and more, and don't forget to use discount code 40DAYS to receive 15% off your purchase of two or more featured books.
[Please note, due to Canadian Union of Postal Workers' rotating labour strike, we are anticipating slight delays on order delivery times.]
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