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, March 31, 2026
E-ssentials: The Moderator's Easter Message, and more!
The Moderator's Easter Message: From Heartbreak to Hope
In a world filled with dashed expectations, war, and "fake news," the Easter story can feel more like an idle tale than a reality. This year, Moderator Kimberly Heath tells the story of how the earliest followers of Jesus navigated their own skepticism to find a hope that transforms the world.
"The Good News came because a small community encountered the risen Christ and believed that death was defeated, that injustice was not the last word," she says.
Today, as followers of Jesus the risen Christ, we continue to be and share that Good News. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.
This Easter week, as you gather in celebration, you have a meaningful opportunity to share the story of Mission and Service in action and invite your community into it. On the Mission and Service in Worship page, you’ll find an Easter prayer, video, and PowerPoint slides to support your service, along with the Easter Impact Report to help bring your community’s impact to life. As you prepare, we warmly encourage you to lift up this shared ministry and invite your community to take part through our Easter donation link, supporting rural ministries across Canada and around the world.
General Secretary Michael Blair has indicated his intention to retire later this year. In preparation for this coming change, The United Church of Canada is embarking on a search process for its next General Secretary. We are inviting nominations for people to be a part of the General Secretary selection committee that will recommend who will serve the church in this senior staffing position.
This committee needs people who have a deep understanding of the United Church or an understanding of the role of the senior executive in other large complex organizations. Might this be you? Or someone you know?
Join us on April 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET for Succeed at Advocacy: Casting a Vision for a Better World, an interactive gathering exploring why—and how—we can care for creation in meaningful ways. Grounded in our connection to the Earth, we’ll share practical ideas to help communities speak with a unified voice for climate leadership. Participants will also be invited to take action through a Call for Climate Leadership letter-writing activity ahead of Earth Week.
Hosted by Beth Baskin (Team Lead, Identity and Mission), with guests Joni Shawana (Anishnawbe Kwe, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory; Indigenous Ministries and Justice), Rev. Dr. Jessica Hetherington (minister and eco-theologian), and Lori Neale (Climate Justice, Church in Mission Unit).
Add your voice—register today and be part of the call for climate leadership.
The United Church Bookstore: Green Reads and Apparel
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
As communities of faith prepare for Earth Week (April 19–26), explore resources to support reflection and action. The United Church Bookstore’s Climate Justice collection offers thoughtful books and items to help engage your community in caring for creation.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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