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, January 27, 2026
E-ssentials: Black History Month Resources, Faithful Footprints Funding, and more!
Black History Month Resources Available Year-Round
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
February is Black History (African Heritage) Month, officially recognized in Canada since 1996. It is a time to highlight the histories, contributions, and lived realities of people of African descent, and to reflect on the ongoing impacts of anti-Black racism.
United Church Commits to Engaging UN Second Decade for People of African Descent
[Image credit: Courtesy of the United Nations]
The United Church of Canada has committed to engaging with the United Nations Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
“By committing to a second decade as the church, we build on the work we started in the first decade. We affirm our commitment to a long-term project that is consistent with ongoing efforts in anti-racism and anti-Black racism,” says Rev. Adele Halliday, Anti-Racism and Equity Lead for The United Church of Canada.
The United Church’s hopes for the decade will be outlined by a Working Group on Church Legacies for People of African Descent. This working group will also focus on the 2025 agreement from the 45th General Council to work on a process and related work for an apology from The United Church of Canada to the African Diaspora for enslavement and legacies of enslavement in Canada.
Expressions of interest to contributing to this working group, as well as related groups, are welcomed.
The first calls for nominations for 2026 have launched! Do you have the expertise the church is seeking for these denominational groups? Do you know someone who does? Serving on a committee is a great way to live Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice.
Justice and Reconciliation Fund Committee
Real Property and Capital Plan Working Group
Anti-Racism Common Table
Equity and Anti-Oppression Circle
Working Group on Addressing Church Legacies for People of African Descent
The Faithful Footprints Grant supports United Church communities of faith in making decarbonization upgrades to their buildings. Grants of up to $20,000 are available to help reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening long-term sustainability.
The 2026 funding cycle opens tomorrow, January 28, 2026, with Expressions of Interest accepted beginning that date.
As winter settles in, Mission and Service partners continue to respond with care, creativity and resilience. Across communities, they are meeting urgent needs while offering connection, dignity, and hope during the coldest months of the year.
Thank you for continuing to walk alongside Mission and Service partners. Your generosity makes a difference—steadily and when it matters most.
The Then Let Us Sing! team is excited to share more than 150 NEW pieces of music from diverse voices around the world, curated by a dedicated team of volunteers from across the church to embody United Church ethos and theology.
The Full Music Edition is 6" x 9" with perfect binding intended for choir use. And the Accompanists' Edition is 8.5" x 11" format with spiral binding, ideal for organists and other musicians.
For bulk purchases: receive 15% off your when you order 24 or more copies of the Full Music Edition of Then Let Us Sing!
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!
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