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, May 26, 2026
E-ssentials: Pride Resources, Radical Welcome, and more!
Celebrate Pride Month with 2S and LGBTQIA+ Apology Worship Resources
[Image credit: Pexels/Hert Niks]
As Pride Month begins this week, we invite communities to reflect on the United Church’s Apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ people and take action.
“The call of Jesus is that we love one other,” says Rev. Aaron Miechkota, Iridesce Project Coordinator and Apology Task Group member. “It is my sincere hope that the sacred call to love and know each other will continue, with the apology being a touchstone and marker along the way.”
United Church Participates in 15th Moose Hide Campaign Day
[Image credit: PJ Boyd]
The 15th Moose Hide Campaign Day was held across the country on May 14, 2026—deliberately close to Mother’s Day. The campaign draws attention to the need to address violence against women, girls, and members of the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community. United Church staff and members from Toronto and surrounding Regions took part in a number of meaningful and informative events. For the first time the primary national event, which originated in British Columbia, was held in Toronto.
Following a sunrise ceremony and sacred fire lighting at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, guests attended a moving and informative Opening Plenary and Fasting Workshop at the Royal Ontario Museum. At noon, the Moose Hide program moved to Queen’s Park, in front of the Ontario Legislature, for the Rally to End Violence. Hundreds gathered in person and more joined online through a national livestream to stand, to listen, and to come together towards the collective goal of ending gender-based violence.
Explore the Moose Hide Campaign website for videos of these events and others across the country along with resources to take action against violence.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada Foundation]
The Northern Indigenous Ministers Retreat is once again creating space for rest and renewal in 2026.
The United Church of Canada Foundation’s campaign to support this gathering is now underway, inviting you and your community to take part. You may already be seeing it in your mailboxes and on social media. A donation link is also available for those who wish to make a life-changing gift or share it in their communications.
Living into Radical Welcome: Rainbow Refugee Sponsorship
[Image credit:The United Church of Canada]
To mark World Refugee Day, The United Church of Canada is hosting Living into Radical Welcome: Rainbow Refugee Sponsorship on June 18 from 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET. This interactive webinar will invite communities of faith, sponsorship groups, and justice-seeking individuals to learn how refugee sponsorship can be an expression of compassion, solidarity, and faithful discipleship.
Participants will hear stories from communities already involved in sponsorship, learn about the refugee sponsorship process and the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program, and explore the unique realities faced by LGBTQIA+ refugees around the world. The webinar will also highlight how sponsorship can deepen a congregation’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and radical welcome. Speakers will be announced soon.
The United Church Bookstore: Get Ready for Collective 2026!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Celebrate the spirit of Collective 2026, a joint gathering of The United Church of Canada’s Rendez-Vous and The Presbyterian Church in Canada Youth events, taking place August 12–15 at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. Bringing together youth, young adults, and leaders, the event will feature worship, workshops, recreation, community-building, and opportunities to grow in faith together.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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