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 6, 2026
E-ssentials: The Moderator's New Year's Address, Toward 2035, and more!
Today! Join Us for The Moderator's New Year Address
[Image credit: Dreamstime]
Join us today, Tuesday, January 6 (6:00–8:00 p.m. ET), for a special New Year's address with Moderator, The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath. Built around the the theme of Epiphany, start off a year of transformation infused with hope!
This isn’t just an address—it’s a look at our shared future. We’ll hear from Executive Minister Jennifer Henry and the Growth team (Rev. Cameron Fraser and Emo Yango) as they share the latest insights on Toward 2035 and officially welcome our newest Communities of Faith into our circle.
Note: Live interpretation will be provided for this event.
Toward 2035: Envisioning the Future of the United Church
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
As we move into 2026, The United Church of Canada is looking ahead with hope through our Toward 2035 strategic vision. This initiative invites us all to dream together about how we can deepen our spirituality, foster bold discipleship, and seek daring justice over the next decade. Whether you are curious about our newest Communities of Faith or the evolving mission of the denomination, there is a place for your voice in this journey. We encourage you to explore the resources available, watch the Moderator's new video and join the conversation as we shape the future of our church.
Countdown to Collective 2026—Registration Opens January 15!
[Image credit: The Presbyterian Church in Canada]
Mark your calendars, Collective 2026 registration opens January 15th!
The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) and The United Church of Canada (UCC) are back together to bring workshops, worship and recreation to Christian youth across Canada. Whether you are a Youth, Young Adult or Youth Leader, we are so excited for what we have in store this year!
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) takes place each year from January 18-26. The 2026 WPCU theme, chosen by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches, is "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the hope of your calling." (Ephesians 4:4). The 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 extends an invitation to draw upon this shared Christian heritage and to delve more deeply into our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide. Download the free 2026 WPCU resources from the Canadian Council of Churches.
The United Church Bookstore: Nourish Your Soul This Lent with Bless, Break, Share
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
As we journey toward Lent, the new Lenten devotional Bless, Break, Share: Recipes for Faithful Living invites you to a spiritual practice of reflecting on food and hunger. What do you hunger for? How do you feed others? What feeds your soul?
Whether reflecting individually or in a group, this resource helps us discover how every meal provides an opportunity to grow in faith. To deepen your experience, join Rev. Dr. Christine Jerrett for a six-week online study on CHURCHx, on Tuesdays (2:00–3:00 p.m. ET), beginning February 24, focusing on themes of invitation, justice, and solidarity. Participants receive a 15% discount on the book, with additional bulk savings available for congregational study groups.
We all have an impulse inside of us: to give, to help, and to make the world a better place. As the hymn says, "it only takes a spark to get a fire going." While the season of Advent has passed, the need for that spark remains as urgent as ever.
As we begin this new year, your gifts through Mission and Service provide a lifeline for children across Canada and around the world. Your generosity reaches those living amidst the realities of war in Ukraine and Palestine, children facing hunger, and families seeking safety after escaping disaster.
That spark of generosity doesn’t end with the holidays. Every child deserves to know they are not forgotten—that they are seen, cherished, and loved as children of God. Help us keep the fire of hope burning bright this winter.
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