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 6, 2026
E-ssentials: Thanksgiving Kitchen Conversations, Moderator Pardy Honoured, and more!
Kitchen Conversations for Thanksgiving
[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]
What happens when food becomes an invitation to belonging?
This Thanksgiving, join us for Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator: A Thanksgiving Table — a special video series bringing together food, faith, friendship, and stories from across cultures.
Chef Izzeldin Bukhari joins Moderator Kimberly Heath and friends to cook recipes from his home in Palestine and share stories about how food can create connection, foster belonging, and open pathways toward peace.
A new episode drops every day over Thanksgiving:
October 8: Welcome to Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator: "A Thanksgiving Table"
October 9: Discussion - "Tell us about a meal that changed your life."
October 10: Discussion - "Who is still missing from our tables, and what is the church being called to do to make room for them?"
October 11: Discussion - "What kind of world are we trying to create around our tables?"
October 12: "A Thanksgiving Table"
Subscribe to The United Church of Canada YouTube channel and join us at the table!
Because every table can be an invitation to community.
This Thanksgiving, we’re celebrating the abundance of community and the many ways generosity helps bring people together.
The United Church of Canada Foundation’s campaign supporting Mission and Service is a way to help uplift community meals, breakfast clubs, Out of the Cold programs, and other initiatives throughout the year.
We invite you to share the campaign with your community. A donation link is available for those who wish to make a Thanksgiving gift or include it in their communications: UnitedChurchFoundation.ca/Thanksgiving
37th Moderator Pardy to Be Invested in the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
[Image credit: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador]
The Very Rev. Dr. Marion Pardy, 37th Moderator of The United Church of Canada, will be inducted into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador on October 8, recognizing her humanitarian work and faith-based social justice leadership.
Dr. Pardy is a strong advocate for a guaranteed livable income and works across faith communities to challenge antisemitism, Islamophobia, and religious prejudice and violence.
“I am most pleased to receive this award as it is a recognition by my Province of Newfoundland and Labrador of faith-based, social justice leadership,” said The Very Rev. Dr. Marion Pardy.
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.
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.
Roman Catholic–United Church Dialogue Would you like to join a long-standing ecumenical dialogue exploring Christian unity, theology, and reconciliation in a changing world? As the dialogue turns its focus to Indigenous reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, you can help shape meaningful conversations across church traditions.
Mission and Service Stories: The House of Friendship
[Image credit: St. Luke's United Church]
At St. Luke’s United Church in Toronto, belonging is built through intentional welcome, shared meals, and community.
Every Sunday, newcomers are greeted warmly and invited to join in worship, conversation, and a generous meal after the service. For people building new lives in Canada, this community offers more than a place to worship—it offers friendship, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Through Mission and Service, we support ministries like St. Luke’s that create welcoming communities where newcomers and neighbours can experience God’s love in action.
For more inspiring worship ideas and resources, subscribe to GatheringWorship.ca.
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