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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
E-ssentials: Moderator's PIE Day Message, Toward 2035 National Survey, and more!
Moderator's PIE Day Message
Every year on March 14, The United Church of Canada celebrates National Affirming PIE Day. PIE stands for Public, Intentional, Explicit Inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ People.
Last year, we celebrated the music that moves us. This year for the Moderator's 2026 PIE Day message, we are broadening our horizons to celebrate every kind of creator—woodcutters, crocheters, gardeners, and bakers—who help weave connections between 2S and LGBTQAI+ people, the church, and all in our communities.
Why PIE Day matters right now: With 2SLGBTQIA+ rights under threat, living into our faith means more than just words. It means:
Deep Spirituality: Recognizing Christ as the bread of life who feeds us.
Daring Justice: Showing up at Pride rallies and standing against hate.
Bold Discipleship: Creating spaces where everyone truly belongs.
Now Playing—Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator Episode Four: Apple Pie with Sharon
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, Rev. Dr. Sharon Ballantyne, United Church Growth Animator for Atlantic Canada, joins us for another heart-filled chat from the Moderator’s home kitchen in Brockville, Ontario. Sharon shares her grandmother’s pie crust recipe, along with a reflection on how through feeding others, whether with food, community, or spiritual nourishment, we can feel truly fed.
Stay tuned for more conversations like this each Sunday throughout Lent by subscribing to our YouTube channel, and order Bless Break Share today.
The United Church of Canada invites anyone connected to the life of the church to complete a short survey on Toward 2035, the framework introduced in 2025 to guide our shared direction for the next decade. Rooted in our Call and Vision, Toward 2035 invites us to imagine and shape the future together.
Did you hear? The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints Grant Program is now open and accepting Expressions of Interest for the 2026 funding cycle which closes April 30, 2026.
Learn more at Faithful Footprints Info Session to be held Wednesday, March 25 at 11:30 am PT / 12:30 pm MT / 1:30 pm CT. / 2:30 pm ET / 3:30 pm AT / 4:00 p.m. NT. Email justice@united-church.ca for the link and meeting details.
Come find out about available grants of up to $20,000 to support carbon reduction building upgrades by eligible United Church communities of faith.
The United Church Bookstore: Get Great Titles for Less on CLEARANCE!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Check out our sale collection with new items added and discounts of up to 50% off. From prayers and stewardship to worship, creation, and social justice resources, there’s a wide range of materials to support faithful reflection and action in your community. Plus, orders over $100 ship free!
Last call for nominations! The calls for nominations are closing soon. Check if the leaders you believe are called need any assistance to submit their interest – and don’t forget to submit your own, if you are the one who feels called!
Mission and Service Stories: A Steady Flow of Care
[Image credit: Silver Spire United Church]
For most of us, a shower is routine. For someone without stable housing, it can be life-changing.
At Silver Spire United Church in St. Catharines, guests can take a private shower while their laundry is washed and dried, with toiletries provided by the community. It’s a simple program that restores comfort, health, and dignity.
Through Mission and Service, the United Church helps support programs like this—because access to clean water, clean clothes, and dignity should never be out of reach.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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