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, September 1, 2026
E-ssentials: A Blessing for a New School Year, Solidarity with Grassy Narrows, and more!
A Back-to-School Blessing
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Loving God, parent and companion to us all, hold the precious children and young people in your loving care as they begin a new school year.
Nurture in them a sense of wonder. Keep their curiosity alive, their imaginations wide, and their hearts open to the joy of discovering something new.
May the spark of creativity, possibility, and adventure continue to burn brightly within them. Give them courage to ask questions, freedom to dream, and confidence to become who they are meant to be.
Surround them with people who see their worth and meet them with kindness, patience, and respect.
Protect them from harm, from cruelty and fear, and from words and ideas that diminish the dignity of others.
And may they be a source of kindness, courage, and welcome to those around them.
Bless them as they learn and grow, as they make friends, face challenges, discover their gifts, and find their own light.
May they shine in the ways that are uniquely theirs—and may every child be surrounded by the love, care, and hope they need to flourish.
Amen
New Webinar! Living Water: Renewal, Reciprocity and Responsibility
[Image credit: For the Love of Creation]
Join For the Love of Creation on September 9 at 12:00 p.m. ET for a Season of Creation webinar exploring the theme of Living Water. This webinar will examine how protecting water as a shared gift and common responsibility can deepen our understanding of reciprocity, strengthen our commitment to the common good, and contribute to the healing and flourishing of all creation.
Speakers include Adrian Jacobs, Senior Leader for Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation, Christian Reformed Church in North America; Rev. Dr. Rachel Mash, Environmental Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa; and Dr. Sarah Alexander, Executive Director of Water Watchers.
Volunteer and Raise Your Voice in Solidarity with the Grassy Narrows Community
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Grassy Narrows River Run Rally 2026 is just weeks away!
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Grange Park, Toronto Family-friendly. Rain or shine.
Grassy Narrows youth, leaders, and community members will travel 1,700 kilometres to Toronto—and they are asking thousands of people to join them for mercury justice.
United Church communities of faith are invited to join the River Run and amplify the community’s message. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, union, faith community, or organization.
Buses are being organized from Hamilton, St. Catharines, Kingston, Guelph, Kitchener–Waterloo, London, Peterborough, and Barrie/Orillia. Visit FreeGrassy.net for details, or email solidarity@freegrassy.net to help organize a bus.
Learn more about the updates in the United Church’s latest news story.
As a church, we acknowledge the harms caused by the Residential School system and its ongoing impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. We remain committed to walking the path of truth, justice, healing, and right relations through continued learning and meaningful action.
EVERY CHILD MATTERS is a trademark owned by the Orange Shirt Society and is used under license. Shirts are sold at cost, reflecting garment and printing production expenses.
You can help support The United Church of Canada's reconciliation work by donating to the Healing Fund, which funds Indigenous healing initiatives around the country. Show your support.
From the Devastation of a Wildfire, A Community Embraces Hope Together
[Image credit: Rev. Keri Wehlander]
When a fast-moving wildfire forced 20,000 people to evacuate from neighbouring communities, Penticton, B.C., became a place of refuge. Rev. Keri Wehlander witnessed churches, Indigenous leaders, businesses, volunteers, and children step forward with food, shelter, compassion, and hope.
Amid the devastation, she reflects on the realities of the climate crisis—and what disaster reveals about how we can live together.
Read Rev. Keri Wehlander’s full reflection in the latest blog.
The calls for nominations for fall 2026 have launched! Who do you know who has the expertise the church is seeking for these denominational groups? Is it you who is being called? Serving on a committee is a great way to live into Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice.
Mission and Service Stories: Leaders in the Making
[Image credit: Camp Kee-Mo-Kee]
At Camp Kee-Mo-Kee in Komoka in Ontario, our Mission and Service gifts help to strengthen something at the heart of every summer camp experience: the people who make camp possible. By supporting an experienced senior staff role, our gifts help equip emerging leaders, support campers, and strengthen the entire camp community.
Many of Camp Kee-Mo-Kee’s senior summer staff are still growing into leadership. They are capable and committed, but leadership takes experience, and that experience grows through mentorship and support.
This summer, our gifts through Mission and Service helped fill the gap by funding a senior staff position dedicated to supporting the summer team.
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