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, September 9, 2026
E-ssentials: Migrants’ Right to Protest, Pray and Act for Peace, and more!
Migrants Have the Right to Protest Without Fear
[Image credit: Courtesy of MWAC]
The United Church of Canada joins more than 250 organizations calling for justice after 10 people received removal orders following an August 12 protest supporting international students from Portage College in Calgary.
Together, we call for an independent investigation, suspension of the removal orders, protection of peaceful protest from immigration enforcement, and a resolution for students under the rules in place when they enrolled.
“No one should have to choose between speaking the truth about injustice and remaining with their family and community in Canada,” says General Secretary Rev. Michael Blair.
Write to your Member of Parliament urging Canada to support a lasting ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, and a comprehensive two-way Canada–Israel arms embargo. Together, we can advocate for a just peace grounded in safety, dignity, and human rights for Palestinians and Israelis.
Setting the Table and Creating Room for Everyone, with 100 Tables
[Image credit: Jennie Del Mott]
At Sackville United Church in New Brunswick, a rainbow picnic table offers a simple invitation: there is room here for you. Through its 100 Tables project, community pancake breakfasts, LGBTQ+ gatherings, and shared moments of prayer, the congregation is creating spaces where people can find nourishment, connection, and belonging.
Discover how this community of faith puts welcome into practice—and how a table can become much more than a place to sit.
The Fall 2026 Seeds of Hope Granting Cycle Is Now Open!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada Foundation]
The Fall 2026 Seeds of Hope granting cycle is now open!
The Foundation is a pillar of support for various initiatives within the United Church community and its partners. Seeds of Hope is their main granting program, funding several dozen projects in each of the spring and fall grant cycles.
Grants are open to applications from congregations, camps, theological schools, outdoor education centres, Regional Councils, and even non-United Church of Canada organizations.
Completed applications must be received by 11:55 PM Eastern Time on October 15th, 2026, to be considered by the Joint Grants Committee. Please contact Helen Toguri at grants@united-church.ca for more information or to talk about your project.
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.
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.
Passionate about theology, clear writing, and the practical role of The Manual in ministry? The Manual Committee is seeking expressions of interest from ministry personnel who might also broaden its geographic representation.
Help recognize and support the next generation of United Church leaders by serving on the Academic Awards and Scholarships Committee. We're looking for someone with strong academic expertise and a keen eye for assessing leadership potential to recommend recipients for scholarships and awards.
Finding welcoming PA Day activities can be challenging, especially for families of children on the autism spectrum. Westminster United Church responded with FOOD4FUN, gardening and cooking camps for children ages four to twelve.
With volunteers providing additional support as needed, campers planted, harvested, prepared food, and shared meals—building skills, confidence, and friendships.
“When are we going outside? I need to visit my special tree,” asked one returning camper.
Your gifts through Mission and Service help make these connections possible. Give generously so children can continue to learn, connect, and grow.
Share Your Photos for the 2028 Church Calendar and Bulletin Covers!
[Image credit: Claudia Kutchukian, B. Gillard, and Gil Collicott]
Help showcase the beauty and life of the United Church! We’re seeking high-quality colour photos of churches, worship, community events, liturgical symbols, nature, and Canadian landscapes for the 2028 calendar and bulletin covers.
For the calendar, we’d especially welcome photos from Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador—and more winter, spring, and fall scenes.
Each selected photo earns a $100 honorarium and photographer credit. Calendar contributors also receive a printed copy.
Calendar photos must be horizontal. Submit high-resolution JPEG, TIFF, or PNG files (2–8 MB) through the online form, rather than by email. Anyone whose face is clearly visible must provide a signed release.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
Important Note: The images included in this newsletter are protected by copyright. While we encourage you to share the newsletter itself, please don't copy or use the images independently. Thanks for your understanding!
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