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, February 3, 2026
E-ssentials: Kitchen Conversations, Black History Month, and more!
Coming this Lent: Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator
[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]
We are so excited to announce Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator, a new six-part video series coming this Lent exploring food, faith, and the power of invitation, hosted by the Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath.
Drawing inspiration and recipes from the United Church’s Lenten devotional, Bless Break Share: Recipes for Faithful Living, we’re getting in the kitchen with guests from across the church, including book contributors, United Church youth, and the Moderator’s own family.
The series debuts with a Shrove Tuesday pancake feast in the Moderator’s home kitchen on February 17, with new episodes following each Sunday throughout Lent, and concludes with a special Easter message from the Moderator. Stay tuned for episodes on the Kitchen Conversations webpage and The United Church of Canada YouTube channel.
Bless Break Share, featuring inspiring devotions and prayers for each day of Lent, along with recipes from throughout the United Church, is available online today, along with the matching mug and apron you’ll see featured in Kitchen Conversations.
These Kitchen Conversations videos are separate from the online Lenten study led by Rev. Dr. Christine Jerrett, which you can join on CHURCHx beginning February 24. Signing up gets you a discount code for 15% off your purchase of Bless Break Share. This structured learning experience invites participants to use Bless, Break, Share as a framework for conversation and reflection on food and hunger throughout the season of Lent.
Unveiled last year as a Centennial project, Here from the Beginning is an in-person and virtual exhibitionthat showcases the contributions and experiences of Black people within the United Church, amplifying voices that have long been overshadowed. It is a celebration of faith, history, and community.
This year, International Development Week also coincides with the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. It’s a time to honour the countless volunteers and leaders whose time, care, and commitment to working together with communities make justice and hope possible. For The United Church of Canada and global partners, volunteer community leaders are an essential piece of the work.
This week, we also give thanks for volunteers: community leaders, farmers, theologians, youth mentors, COP animators, pilgrims, and United Church members whose faithful service—often unseen—sparks connection and hope.
Read the full news story and learn how you can get involved.
As New US Tariffs Target Cuba, United Church Offers Solidarity with Cuban People
[Image credit: Canva]
On January 30, the Trump administration issued an executive order that enacts on the people of Cuba "a new tariff system that allows the United States to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly provides oil to Cuba."
The United Church of Canada issued a statement of solidarity with the Cuban people. The church requests an urgent response, through prayer and action with Cuban Mission and Service partners and the people of Cuba, who face multiple and deepening crises.
Please also sign this petition spearheaded by the Canadian Network on Cuba. (NOTE: to complete the process of signing the petition, you must take the additional step to click on the link sent directly to your email address. Encourage others in your networks to also please sign the petition.)
Moderator Offers Solidarity to US Partners and Greenland Bishop
[Image credit: Wikimedia/Jens Cederskjold]
Last week, Moderator Kimberly Heath sent two letters of solidarity to global church partners amid growing political and social instability. The letters express support for church leaders in Greenland, Denmark, and the United States as they accompany their communities through uncertainty, fear, and threats to sovereignty.
[Image credit: Indigenous/Racialized Youth Gathering visits Camp Morgan | IMJ]
On Saturday February 14, communities across the country hold the Women’s Memorial March to honour and remember Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in Canada.
The Women’s Memorial March originated in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Information for the 2026 Vancouver march can be found here. Please check social media to see what is happening in your community – the information often comes out in early February. There will also be a Facebook Live event that anyone can join at 12:30 pm ET.
We encourage United Church communities of faith and individuals to join Indigenous people and organizations, labour, and civil society groups in this important act of public witness against racism and violence, and for justice.
We’re looking for people with strong discernment skills and experience in dispute resolution to help guide fair, thoughtful processes that support ministry personnel and uphold the integrity of our church. By joining the Response Committee or Remedial Committee, you’ll play a vital role in supporting faithful, well-equipped, effective ministry personnel.
Express your interest or nominate someone else for these or other current opportunities to serve.
Apply Now for the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics, and Management (GEM)
[Image credit: Pixabay]
Applications are open for the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management (GEM), being held in Panama City from August 17–28, 2026. Co-organized by the World Council of Churches, alongside global ecumenical partners, the school will bring together emerging and current church leaders from around the world to explore tools, language, and strategies to effectively advocate for urgent transformations in the global, financial, and economic realm.
Mission and Service Stories: Shared Healing and Cultural Renewal
[Image credit: Mamawe Ota Askihk]
At Mamawe Ota Askihk, the land is more than a backdrop—it is a sacred space where Indigenous children, youth, and families reconnect with culture, language, and one another.
Hosted by Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre and supported by Mission and Service gifts, the 2023 summer gathering brought together 31 participants, alongside staff, Knowledge Keepers, and youth leaders. From the first day, a community grounded in sharing, learning, and ceremony began to take shape.
By supporting the Healing Fund through Mission and Service, your generosity helps make gatherings like Mamawe Ota Askihk possible.
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment