Wednesday, March 18, 2026

E-ssentials: The Moderator's Earth Week Message, Eliminating Racial Discrimination, and more!

The Moderator's Earth Week Message

Moderator Earth Week 2026 Message
[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

In the Moderator's Earth Week 2026 message, she challenges us to take action for Mother Earth—The United Church of Canada alongside numerous denominations and faith-based organizations are coming together this Earth week (April 19–26) under one shared banner: Together for the Love of Creation.

On the For the Love of Creation Map communities of faith, networks, and regions are invited to initiate and participate in climate justice events during Earth week. We hope you will take part in one or more actions—whether attending a webinar, praying, or writing to your Member of Parliament. Your leadership matters.

Plus, don’t miss next week’s Faithful Footprints webinar (March 25, 2:30 p.m. ET) to learn how your community of faith can access up to $20,000 for carbon-reduction upgrades! Register today.

Read the full news storywatch the Moderator’s Earth Week message, and explore resources, including an MP letter-writing activity.

Read the latest Earth Week 2026 news post

March 21 Is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This international day was created by the United Nations in response to the killing of 69 protesters at a peaceful anti-apartheid demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960. Now observed worldwide, it is a time to continue to raise awareness and encourage action against racism.

The United Church of Canada marks this day as part of deepening our ongoing commitment to anti-racism.
 
Communities of faith and individuals are invited to reflect on this day and continue engaging in anti-racist learning and action throughout the year. Resources available include anti-racism videos with prayers, a blog reflection, worship materials, and upcoming CHURCHx anti-racism education courses for deeper learning. A upcoming related course, Becoming an Intercultural Church, is designed for congregational teams and will include ideas for anti-racist engagement.
 
As our anti-racism policy reminds us, the struggle against racism is ongoing as we strive to become a church where all truly feel welcome.

Read the full news story

Now Playing—Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator Episode Five: Cupcakes, Lemonade, with Isla

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.  

What does a classic after-church snack have to do with the wider world? In this week's episode of Kitchen Conversations, Moderator Kimberly Heath is joined by Youth Climate Motivator Isla Sheridan-Jonah. We’re visiting the historic Speedside United Church for a reflection on food, faith, and how our choices nourish the soul.

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

May Is PAR Month

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

May is PAR month! It will be here before you know it!

Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) allows you to set up a monthly contribution that will continue to fund amazing work all year long in your community of faith, and our larger work through Mission and Service.

The materials are ready in the downloads section of the PAR webpage, and so is the Stewardship team! Contact us for help.

Please spread the word and encourage your faith community to hop onboard for PAR month. Learn more on the PAR webpage

Learn more about PAR

The United Church Bookstore: Show Your Support for Climate Change

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
 

For the Love of Creation is a national initiative that brings together faith bodies and faith-based organizations in Canada under a unified banner to mobilize education, reflection, action and advocacy for climate justice.

The United Church of Canada is proud to endorse this initiative, upholding our call to live in respect with Creation with this classic unisex jersey short sleeve t-shirt, featuring the For the Love of Creation logo in English and French.

Plus, don't forget to check out the entire climate justice collection!

Get Your Shirt and Check out the Climate Justice Collection

Mission and Service Stories: Local Knowledge, Global Transformation

[Image credit: Asian Rural Institute]

 

At the Asian Rural Institute in Japan, leadership begins with a simple truth: you are already an expert in your own life.

In 2024, 20 participants from 13 countries arrived as pastors, farmers, teachers, and organizers, seeking ways to strengthen food security, address climate change, and build resilient communities. Through hands-on learning—from sustainable farming to nonviolent communication—they gained practical skills to bring home and share.

Their impact will ripple outward through stronger local food systems, healthier land, and more confident leadership.

Through Mission and Service, we help sustain this training—supporting leaders who will nourish their communities long after their year in Japan ends.

Read the Mission and Service Story

Worship Resources

See our Worship Resources for upcoming Sundays and special celebrations.

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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