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, October 20, 2026
E-ssentials: Join Us for Tonight's Cross Country Check-In, Host a Climate Motivator, and more!
Join us Tonight at the Cross Country Check-In!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Join the General Secretary, members of the General Council Executive, and the Moderator for a live conversation with people across the United Church. Listen, ask questions, put faces to names, and share perspectives that can help inform the church’s leadership and decision-making.
On October 17, 2026, 176 commissioners, plus corresponding members and guests, participated online in the annual meeting of the 45th General Council; 300 people followed the meeting by livestream on YouTube (recording now available). Read the full summary in English and French on GeneralCouncil.ca.
Thousands Join the 2026 River Run Rally for Grassy Narrows
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
On September 23rd, an estimated 9,000 people marched through the streets of Toronto, offering solidarity with the community of Grassy Narrows First Nation as they fight for justice. Generations of community members, some of whom travelled 1,700 kilometres from their home, marched from Grange Park to Queen’s Park. Joining them in Grassy Narrows River Run were supporters across movements and sectors, including The United Church of Canada and KAIROS Canada, filling the streets with people, banners, art, and music.
Free Grassy Narrows demands fair compensation, an end to pollution, and restoration of their community. You can support these demands by:
Senior Climate Activists Arrested, Hold Government to Account for Climate Policy
[Image credit: Seniors Climate Witness Facebook]
People of faith of all ages and allies gathered in Ottawa in September for the Seniors’ Climate Witness, a national climate caravan that culminated in a witness outside Parliament as it reopened. Sitting in rocking chairs, participants called on the Government of Canada to reject new fossil fuel pipelines, uphold its climate commitments, respect Indigenous rights, and invest in a safe, clean future for generations to come.
Among the participants were United Church members and ministers from across the country. Co-organizer Bill Darnell, a founding member of Greenpeace, says the initiative grew out of concern for the future his grandchildren will inherit. For him, the rocking chairs symbolize the wisdom and persistence of older adults: “We are not in a hurry. We are not violent. We are not going away.”
Grounded in faith and a commitment to care for creation, the Seniors’ Climate Witness offers a powerful example of living out the words of A New Creed: “We are called to be the Church, to celebrate God’s presence, to Live with respect in Creation.”
Attention Communities of Faith! Host a 2027 Climate Motivator!
[Image credit: Canva]
The General Council Office invites communities of faith to host a Climate Motivator (ages 18–25) this summer (mid-May to mid-July). This eight-week position supports local climate action and multigenerational engagement. You can find examples from 2026 in the just released Climate Motivator Impact Report.
Host Benefits: We help secure Canada Summer Jobs funding and provide national training and project grant access.
Your Action: Develop a local project and recommend and mentor a young adult (your Climate Motivator).
As part of Toward 2035, The United Church of Canada has launched an Identities Survey to learn more about who is part of our wider church body. Because invitations are being sent to a statistically significant sample of communities of faith, please don't worry if you or your community of faith didn't receive one. You can verify the legitimacy of the invitation by checking for an email from planning@united-church.ca, which is also who you should contact if you have any questions.
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:
We're seeking four to eight youth, young adults, and adults to join the Youth Forum 2028 Planning Team and plan an engaging, empowering experience for high school-aged youth at General Council 46. Together, let's create a General Council where young people are not only present, but actively engaged and supported as leaders, learners, and disciples.
Nominate someone or put your own name forward today!
Learn more about this and other opportunities through our Opportunities Page.
Thank you to everyone who supported this broad and robust call for nominations, and to everyone who was willing to let their name stand.
We received nearly 50 nominations and expressions of interest from across the church!
Appointments will be made and communicated in late November.
Mission and Service Stories: Campus Connections
[Image credit: Women's Training Centre]
For many young adults, post-secondary education extends beyond studying and getting through exams. It’s a pivotal time when they’ll figure out who they are, what they believe, and what they hope their future will look like. Campus Ministry at Algonquin College in Ottawa provides a place for students and staff to explore those questions and find support along the way.
Campus Ministry is an ecumenical chaplaincy serving approximately 20,000 students and staff. Since 1993, it has offered pastoral care, spiritual counselling, workshops, and opportunities to explore faith in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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