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, August 12, 2026
E-ssentials: Living into Apology, Season of Creation, and Intercultural Ministry
One Year Later: Living into the Apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ Communities
[Image credit: Alan Lai]
One year after The United Church of Canada apologized to 2S and LGBTQIA+ people and their communities, we remember that an apology is not an ending, but the beginning of an ongoing journey toward healing, accountability, and transformation.
Faith communities are invited to continue living out the apology through worship, reflection, courageous conversations, pastoral care, advocacy, and action—helping create a church where 2S and LGBTQIA+ people are fully affirmed, celebrated, and empowered.
Read the full news story and explore the downloadable resources for your community.
Chance to Recommit to Reconciliation 40 Years After United Church Apology
[Image credit: Kelly Buehler]
On August 15, Canadian Shield Regional Council will commemorate the 40th anniversary of The United Church of Canada’s 1986 Apology to Indigenous peoples. Held at Laurentian University in Sudbury, the free gathering will feature keynote speaker the Very Rev. Stan McKay, along with a sacred fire, drumming, personal reflections, a community lunch, and a pilgrimage to the Apology Cairn. All are welcome to join this time of remembrance, renewal, and continued commitment to reconciliation. Learn more in the latest news story.
Season of Creation Worship Resources and An Invitation for World Day of Prayer
[Video credit: SeasonofCreation.org]
Designated by the global Christian community, the Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment. This year’s theme is “Living Water,” and worship resources for the full season are available on the Season of Creation website.
In a deeply personal reflection, Chris Mah Poh writes about the toll of confronting rising White nationalism, anti-immigrant racism, transphobia, and homophobia. He challenges the church—particularly White clergy and church members—to recognize that racialized people cannot carry the work of anti-racism alone: What will you preach, say, and do?
Read the new blog and explore resources supporting the church’s ongoing anti-racism journey.
Go Beyond Inclusion: Becoming an Intercultural Church
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
What does it mean to go beyond simple inclusion or diversity initiatives and move toward genuine transformation?
Beginning October 14, this six-session interactive course will help ministry teams and individuals explore practical ways to build intercultural communities rooted in deep listening, shared power, responsibility, and hope.
Led by Rev. Dr. Hyuk Cho of the Vancouver School of Theology, the series will connect intercultural theology and biblical reflection with the lived realities of congregations. Participate as an individual or as part of a congregational team. Learn more and register on CHURCHx.
Make the Most of Your Worship Planning with Gathering Worship!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
GatheringWorship.ca is a resource to help you plan worship services quickly and efficiently and share prayers and resources with people across the country and around the world.
Join us for a live webinar on Wednesday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. ET to learn more about the features of GatheringWorship.ca, how to navigate the site, and how it can support your worship planning and ministry.
In Guatemala, Maya and Xinka Indigenous peoples continue to rebuild after the genocide of the 1980s while facing ongoing violence and repression. This fall, a Mi’kmaq couple will travel with Breaking the Silence to learn from Indigenous leaders advancing food sovereignty and preserving culture.
Rising travel costs nearly put this opportunity out of reach. Breaking the Silence’s bursary program removes financial barriers for low-income, Black, Indigenous, and other racialized people who might otherwise be unable to join human rights delegations or volunteer placements.
Mission and Service supports relationships rooted in justice, solidarity, and mutual learning.
The United Church Bookstore: Just Restocked! Bulletin Covers for Worship
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Planning in-person worship for the fall and beyond? The United Church Bookstore has restocked its bulletin covers! From Creation Time to Advent, and more, there are covers and resources for every season.
For assistance ordering your bulletin covers, we have a 2026 Bulletin Covers Planning Kit available for you to download and use. We hope these bulletins assist your faith community as you gather to worship.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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