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 16, 2025
E-ssentials: Prayers for the Bondi Beach Tragedy, Hope for the New Year, and more
Shooting at Hanukkah Event Denounced; Prayers for all Jewish Communities
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
God of life and hope, console all who mourn.
May they feel the comfort of your presence.
For those overwhelmed by fear, grant your peace and the assurance of community solidarity.
May we resist the forces that exploit, dehumanize, and marginalize, and defend the dignity of every human being.
Let fierce love combat hate, and violence be overcome, so your light of peace shines ever bright. We pray to the Holy who has many names. Amen.
As the death toll continues to mount from the horrific shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia, we continue in prayer for the dead, grieving family members, communities, and those recovering, as well as the first responders, health workers, and all who were witness to this event, described as terrorism by the Australian police.
We lift prayers at this holy time for the whole of the Jewish community in Australia, globally, and here in Canada, recognizing the fear communities feel as they continue to mark the Hanukkah season—a festival of light, resilience, and hope. Read the full news story.
Start the year off right! 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.
Toward 2035 (T2035) is a hopeful, church-wide strategy designed to guide us toward a future that is resilient, inspired, and diverse. This strategy is grounded in the truth of our emerging reality and compelled by our continued call to discipleship.
Key Engagement and New Materials
Strategy Development: As a whole-church strategy, T2035 has engaged leadership—elected and staff, national and regional—across the country. Over 3,000 people have already been involved in initial presentations and workshops, and Councils at all levels are beginning to build aligned strategies and plans.
Resources for Communities of Faith: To include people in the pews in this vital conversation, a new resource page has been developed. It currently features:
Next Steps: An equivalent resource page will be available on Église Unie. Future resources will be developed to help Communities of Faith (COFs) engage with this ongoing invitation to look strategically toward the future.
We are moving together toward the future we believe is possible with God's help.
How One House in Korea Transformed The United Church of Canada
[Image credit: Korea Heritage Service]
As part of The United Church of Canada's 100th anniversary, we are reflecting on a moment that reshaped us and our global partnerships. In 1974, the United Church transferred a mission house in Seoul to the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). What began as a difficult conversation about ownership and power became a courageous act of decolonizing mission.
The house soon became an underground seminary during dictatorship and a centre for Minjung theology—a Korean liberation theology rooted in the struggle for democracy and human rights. PROK still cherishes the building, now a protected historic site.
Called to lead and guide youth or young adults in faith and conversation?
We invite you to apply to become a Discipleship Group Leader at Collective 2026! This unique role involves helping participants explore the theme, (em)brace for impact, rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus.
As a leader, you will:
Facilitate discussions based on scripture, reflection, creative expression, and authentic conversation.
Be placed in diverse groups by stream, experiencing voices from across Canada.
What You Need to Know
Preparation: You will receive the curriculum in advance and participate in a required online pre-event session (spring 2026) and onsite training before the event.
Be Bold, Be Generous, and Care for Those Most In Need
[Image credit: Lightstock.com]
The youth of our church are leading us forward.
This summer, at our General Council meeting, they shared a vision of a church that is courageous, outward-looking, and committed to real change—a church that spends its gifts where they matter most.
Their challenge to us is clear: be bold, be generous, and care for those most in need.
This Advent, your gift to Mission and Service supports exactly that—from nurturing young leaders to standing with vulnerable communities in Canada and around the world.
Let’s follow their lead and turn generosity into action. Learn more and make a gift today.
United Church Bookstore: Secure Your 2026 Church Calendars Before It's Too Late!
[Image credit: Lightstock.com]
Last call for 2026 Canadian Church Calendars! Don't miss out on this essential, bilingual planning tool for tracking all church seasons and lectionary dates, featuring beautiful photos of United Churches across Canada.
Order in bulk to save!
10% off when you order a minimum of 10 calendars
15% off when you order a minimum of 25 calendars
20% off when you order a minimum of 50 calendars
Discounts will automatically apply to qualifying carts. Get your copy today from the United Church Bookstore.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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