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, December 9, 2025
E-ssentials: 10th Anniversary Full-Communion Service, Remembering Former Moderator Robert F. Smith, and more
A Decade of Partnership: 10th Anniversary Full-Communion Service
[Image credit: The United Church of Christ and The United Church of Canada]
Featured leaders include the General Secretary of The United Church of Canada, Rev. Michael Blair; the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, and the General Secretary-elect of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock.
If you can't join via Zoom, the service will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. If you miss the live broadcast, a full recording will be available on our same channel afterwards.
The Very Rev. Robert F. Smith, Moderator from 1984–1986, Passes Away
[Photo: The Very Rev. Dr. Robert F. Smith, speaking at the 30th Anniversary of the Apology. Credit: The United Church of Canada]
The United Church of Canada gives thanks for the life and ministry of The Very Rev. Dr. Robert F. Smith, who died yesterday in Sechelt, B.C., after a few years of hospital and family care. A memorial service will be held in Sechelt in the coming weeks. More information will follow.
Rev. Smith served as Moderator of the United Church from 1984-1986, and is perhaps best known for delivering the first official Apology from the church to Indigenous Peoples at the 1986 General Council. He served in ministry in the U.S. (1965-68), Ontario from 1968 to 1982, and in Vancouver (Shaughnessy Heights, 1982-93 and First United, 1993-1998).
His impact on The United Church of Canada as Moderator changed the church; he led through deep dialogue, wrestling with fundamental questions and convictions. He was a tremendously valued minister, friend, preacher, and church leader. Read the full tribute and news story about The Very Rev. Dr. Robert F. Smith.
Rev. Tori Mullin, Growth Animator for Eastern Ontario and Quebec, reflects on how vast the universe is and how urgency calls us to love:
Reflecting under the stars, Tori Mullin shares how a mentor's radical compassion during a time of personal grief led them back to a thoughtful faith. This experience underscores the urgency needed in the church: a pressing call to love others the way Jesus loved.
The United Church is at a critical moment. If we hope for a future presence, they argue we MUST risk changing our priorities, choosing accessibility and neighbours over comfort and familiarity. The decline is painful, but it is an invitation to engage in the courageous, vulnerable work of self-reflection and transformation for God’s dream.
This Advent,your gifts are especially important. We are called as a church to help those who are vulnerable. Children and families across Canada and around the world who are hungry or who are refugees. Those who are living through wars in Ukraine, Palestine and elsewhere. Those who are struggling due to climate change or natural disasters.
Mark your calendar! On January 6th, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET, join The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, Moderator, for a transformative New Year’s address.
The theme is Epiphany.
Executive Minister Jennifer Henry and the Growth team, including Rev. Cameron Fraser (Director of Growth and Ministry Development), and Emo Yango (Growth Coordinator), will offer insights into Toward 2035 and introduce new Communities of Faith.
This event will be as bilingual in French and English as we can make it. Live interpretation to be confirmed.
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment