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, July 22, 2026
E-ssentials: Prayers for Wildfire-Affected Communities, Emancipation Day resources, and more.
Prayers for Wildfire-Affected Communities
[Image credit: shaunl / iStock]
As wildfires impact lands and peoples across the country, we ask you to join us in prayer:
For safety and protection for people, animals, and communities in harm’s way
For strength and resilience among evacuees, fire fighters, and other first responders
For those affected by the smoke of the wildfires which is impacting air quality across broad distances
For acknowledgement and action on the ongoing impact of climate change caused by human activity, and renewed attention toward an energy transition
For healing and renewal for the land and all of creation
Let us pray—
Creator, Wildfires are engulfing homes, leaving us vulnerable, exposed, open: We come to you, broken, seeking wholeness… In our time of need provide for us those things that will bring restoration to all of creation, the gifts of the spirit and the gift of each other. Above all, remind us always of your steadfast and abiding love. Amen
The United Church of Canada has created a new handbook for communities of faith to prepare for any major emergency or disaster which is available for download.
Turn Reflection into Action this Emancipation Day
[Image credit: The United Church Foundation]
August 1 is Emancipation Day. This day marks the abolition of slavery in Canada, and led to legal freedom for Black peoples who had been enslaved.
Powerful anti-racism initiatives are taking place across our church in response to the truths that racialized and Indigenous Peoples have bravely shared and in recognition of their stories of resistance and strength. Contributions to the Foundation are an investment in these crucial initiatives, such as:
The United Church of Canada’s 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism, which encourages vital conversations about racial discrimination across our church communities.
Our involvement in Fund Canada, which aims to unlock $500 million in grants by 2030, focusing on underfunded leaders and underrepresented voices. This funding will transform communities by investing in leaders with lived experiences to drive necessary change.
Together, we can continue the work of becoming an anti-racist church. You can give to help support this vision and fight against the racism that is still present in our country, church, and culture.
Learn, Reflect, and Grow as an Intercultural Church
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
What does it mean to become a truly intercultural church?
Explore this question through Becoming an Intercultural Church, an online course led by Rev. Dr. Hyuk Cho. Together, participants will explore intercultural theology, consider how power and cultural diversity shape our communities, and discover practical ways to strengthen intercultural ministry in their congregations.
On Wednesdays, from October 14–November 25, 2026 6:00–7:30 p.m. ET
Join individually or participate with a congregational team to bring the learning and conversation back to your local community.
Ashley Keeping was one of two United Church young adults selected to attend the 2024 Minority Youth Forum in Miyakojima, Japan. An ecumenical initiative of churches in Japan, the forum is supported by The United Church of Canada and Mission and Service. Your generosity through Mission and Service helps make programs that inspire peace and learning possible.
The forum brought together young adults from Canada, Japan, and Taiwan to share their cultures, faith, and hopes for peace. As a fellow islander from Newfoundland, Ashley connected with the people of Miyako while learning about their ongoing struggle for peace. The experience strengthened her belief in the power of young people to create change—and taught her that peace must be treasured and continually pursued.
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