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 2, 2025
E-ssentials: The Moderator's Advent Message, Giving Tuesday, and more!
Moderator's Advent Message
[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]
In her Advent Message, the Right Rev. Kimberley Heath, Moderator of The United Church of Canada, offers a reflection that makes space for all our feelings—the joy, the grief, the hope, and the weariness.
The world feels heavy, but Advent is a season for connection. Drawing on the stories of Mary and Elizabeth, Rev. Heath reminds us that even miracles can feel complicated. Their bold "yesses" to God's call were mixed with seclusion, whispers, and fear. Yet, their simple connection brought a blessing and multiplied their joy.
How do we get in the spirit of the season amid pain and injustice? We start with connection. This Advent, know this: you are not alone. God is growing a miracle in our midst. The United Church of Canada wishes you a blessed Advent. Find out more about The United Church of Canada's Advent resources.
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.
Prayer: 10th Anniversary of the Release of the TRC Final Report
[Image credit: June Tildesley | Unsplash]
December 15th marks the 10th Anniversary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). We’ve written this prayer for you to use on your own or in church on Sunday, December 14th. It is consistent with the Advent Unwrapped liturgy for that day.
It’s Giving Tuesday: Your Gift Provides Urgent Relief Across the Globe
[Image credit: Antti Yrjönen/FCA]
It’s Giving Tuesday, and people around the world urgently need your help.
From hurricanes in Jamaica, Cuba and the Philippines, to the ongoing war in Ukraine, to humanitarian crises in Gaza and other conflict zones, families are facing unimaginable challenges. Homes and communities have been destroyed. Food, clean water, shelter, medical care, and long-term support are desperately needed.
Through Mission and Service, your gift helps provide immediate relief and supports long-term recovery. Partners on the ground are bringing care, stability, and hope to people facing crisis every day. Make a Giving Tuesday gift today!
CBC Nonfiction Prize Winner’s Story Explores Disability and “Extreme Caregiving”
[Photo credit: Jen Linfield]
Laura MacGregor, member of the United Church’s former Working Group on Theologies of Disabilities—a sub-group of the Theology and Inter-Church and Inter-Faith (TICIF) committee—recently won the CBC Nonfiction Prize earlier this year. Her prize was for her short story, The Invisible Woman, where she writes about caring for her profoundly disabled son, Matthew.
French Advent Reflections: Live Every Monday at Noon (Dec 8, 15, 22)
[Image credit: Canva]
Each Monday of Advent at noon, Rév. Stéphane Vermette will be live to reflect, interact and answer questions for 30 minutes about Advent, the virginal conception of Jesus, the place of Joseph in the Christmas story and much more.
This invitation is for everyone understanding French who would like to take a few minutes each week to prepare themselves amid the bedlam of this season.
A new report from the Arms Embargo Now coalition, of which The United Church of Canada is a member, raises serious concerns about how Canadian-made weapons components continue reaching Israel through the United States, despite government assurances to the contrary.
Key findings include:
Shipments of Canadian explosives and materials used in bombs and shells deployed in Gaza
TNT routed through Port Saguenay to U.S. bomb plants
Aircraft components supplied to Israel after originating in Canada
Hundreds of Canadian parts contributing to F-35 fighter jets for Israel
As a church committed to peace, justice, and the protection of all people, we encourage you to
Email this report to your MP, calling on them to take action, including by supporting the law proposal to close the loopholes that is currently being debated in Parliament.
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