Tuesday, February 24, 2026

E-ssentials: Episode Two of Kitchen Conversations, Cross Country Check-In, and more!

Now Playing—Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator Episode Two: Frittata with Julez 

Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator is a series exploring faith, food, and the power of inviting one another to the table, hosted by United Church of Canada Moderator Kimberly Heath.

This week, King Julez/Julian Rose talks with the Moderator about their experience at the pro-Palestinian protest encampment at the University of Toronto, and providing spiritual care and community in moments of crisis. They also discuss their experience participating in the A Place at the Table photo for the United Church’s centennial last summer, all while cooking a delicious broccoli frittata based on a recipe from Bless Break Share.

Stay tuned for more conversations like this each Sunday throughout Lent by subscribing to our YouTube channel, and order Bless Break Share today.

Watch it Now on YouTube

General Council Executive Summary

United Church Crest colours of Blue, Red and Gold
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 
The first 45th General Council Executive (GCE) of 2026 met online on February 20 and 21, 2026. The work over the two days thoughtfully reflected the Executive’s role to offer insight, oversight, and foresight for the good of the church. Read the full summary now on the General Council website.
Read the full GCE Summary

Tomorrow! Join Us at the Cross Country Check-In

Cross Country Check-In with flag of Canada across a map of the country
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

The General Council Executive met this past weekend for the first time in 2026. Tomorrow’s live Cross-Country Check-In is your opportunity to connect with GCE members in real time.

Join us on February 25, 2026 (6:00–7:30 p.m. ET) on CHURCHx.

Whether you listen or call in, this is a space for people across the United Church to share, ask questions, and engage with leaders directly. Acting General Secretary Rev. Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa and GCE members will be online and ready to hear from you. Your input helps shape their ongoing work and decision-making.
Register!

Kitchissippi United Welcomes 105 New United Church Members at Special Service

The new members of Kitchissippi United Church, Ottawa on February 15, 2026
[Image credit: Ashley Barnes]
 
Kitchissippi United Church, in Ottawa, Ontario celebrated a historical moment of growth this past Sunday, when they welcomed 105 new community members to join The United Church of Canada.

The joyful service, filled with dancing and song in English and African languages, signalled a new era for a community that’s building an invitation of hope to those for whom it makes a world of difference. Read the full news story.
Read the full news story

The United Church Bookstore: Then Let Us Sing!

Then Let Us Sing Book Cover
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]


The highly anticipated restock of Then Let Us Sing! hymnal is selling fast! 
 
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!

Order copies of both editions today!

Call For Nominations!

Who Will You Nominate?
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Musicians and worship leaders of all kinds: help shape Gathering’s print and online resources. With the Gathering Advisory Board you can inspire worship leaders across the church and highlight the diverse and evolving worship life of our church. 

Express your interest or nominate someone else for this or other opportunities to serve.    

Deadline: Tuesday, March 17.  
 
Check out this call and more!

Mission and Service Stories: Grandmothers Leading with Love

Grandmothers in Kenya sitting on the ground with supplies
[Image credit: World Council of Churches Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy]
 

In Kenya’s Rift Valley, many children orphaned by HIV are being raised by grandmothers—women who have buried their own children and often face stigma in their communities and churches.

Through Mission and Service, grandmothers and pastors are coming together to replace condemnation with compassion and create spaces of healing.

Read the Mission and Service Story

Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

Second Sunday in Lent - March 1, 2026
World Day of Prayer - March 6, 2026
International Women's Day - March 8, 2026
National Affirming PIE Day - March 14, 2026
Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 15, 2026
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21, 2026
Earth Hour - March 22,2026
Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 22, 2026
Palm/Passion Sunday - March 29, 2026
Maundy Thursday - April 2, 2026
Good Friday - April 3, 2026
Holy Saturday - April 4, 2026
Easter Sunday - April 5, 2026

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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