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, October 14, 2026
E-ssentials: Act Now for the Crisis in Cuba, Kitchen Conversations, General Council 45, and more!
The Moderator Calls on Canada to Act Now to End the Blockade and Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]
With a crucial United Nations vote on Cuba coming October 27–28, Moderator Kimberly Heath is calling on Canadians to urge the federal government to take action.
The United Church of Canada’s longstanding partners in Cuba are reporting a deepening humanitarian crisis, including shortages of food, fuel, water, medicine, and electricity. The United Church has been in partnership with churches and ecumenical organizations in Cuba for 50 years.
Join the Livestream of General Council 45 on October 17!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
You’re invited to join the livestream of the United Church of Canada’s General Council 45 Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Watch it live on YouTube.
GC45 members will gather in worship before receiving reports and considering proposals and decisions that shape the life and work of the church. The meeting will conclude with a covenanting service for incoming General Secretary Éric Hébert-Daly.
Beyond Borders, Faith Communities as Partners in Advancing Human Rights
[Image credit: Prairie to Pine Regional Council]
CBC News highlighted the voices of LGBTQIA+ faith leaders and advocates from Kenya and Zambia visiting Manitoba as part of a United Church of Canada exchange focused on human rights, inclusion, and faith-based advocacy.
The exchange brought together partners from across the Global South and Canada to share experiences, strengthen international solidarity, and explore how faith communities can advance justice and inclusion.
The United Church Bookstore: 2027 Canadian Church Calendars Have Arrived!
[Image credit: Robert Lesser | Almonte United Church]
The 2027 Canadian Church Calendar: Draw the Circle Wide brings the church year to life with colourful photos from United Church communities across the country. It includes church seasons, special days, and lectionary dates, making it a beautiful and practical companion for the year ahead.
This bilingual calendar is a wonderful addition to your home, office, or church—and makes a thoughtful gift for members, volunteers, and friends of the church.
Planning for your whole community? Bulk discounts are available:
Annual Theology Conference: October 19 and 20, 2026
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
On October 19–20, the Annual Theological Conference, presented by the alumni/ae of Queen’s Theological College, invites participants to explore what biblical stories of communities living under empire can teach us about faithful discipleship today.
Biblical scholar, activist, and farmer Dr. Sylvia C. Keesmaat will explore lament, resistance, and hope in the face of environmental collapse, genocide, political power, and the oppression of marginalized people, drawing on biblical wisdom as well as Indigenous and Palestinian Christian voices.
The conference is open to everyone, with a livestream available through United in Learning. Register on CHURCHx on learn more.
Last call for nominations! The calls for nominations to serve are closing tomorrow. Check if the leaders you believe are called need any assistance to submit their interest–and don’t forget to submit your own, if you are the one who feels called!
At the Morogoro Women’s Training Centre in Tanzania, Mission and Service is helping mothers of children with disabilities build confidence, financial independence, and community.
A 2023 training brought 12 women together to learn about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, caregiving, and self-esteem. For many, it was also a chance to move beyond isolation and stigma and find strength in one another.
Among them was Agness Mduma, a widowed mother of four who has raised her youngest child, who lives with a disability, largely on her own. With new skills and startup support, Agness expanded her small businesses—from selling charcoal and eggs to running a grocery shop and baking cakes. She is now better able to support her children and plan for the future.
Her story is one of many that show what accompaniment can make possible: not quick fixes, but the slow, steady work of walking together, nurturing resilience and restoring hope.
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