What did you do?
The Prairie Spirit Table Trail was created as a celebration of The United Church of Canada’s 100th anniversary, expressing who we are as a faith community grounded in Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice. Anchored by our new mural, “A Doorway That Speaks,” the project invited people to “walk the trail” between 3 themed tables, each representing one of these core expressions of our ministry. The mural’s imagery—prairie fields, shared bread, and a rainbow—was intentionally connected to each table’s focus.
Prairie fields: Deep Spirituality, as we are nourished in worship and learning.
Bread shared: Bold Discipleship, serving others through our food bank and outreach.
Rainbow: Daring Justice, welcoming all and advocating for inclusion and equality.
The artist designed the shared bread scene so it is impossible to tell who gives and who receives—symbolizing Prairie Spirit’s belief that bread, like God’s love, is meant to be shared. The trail culminated in a community luncheon on September 28, marking the 7th anniversary of our amalgamation. Participants enjoyed chili served in handcrafted clay bowls—made and purchased through our 100 Tables Initiative to help fund the mural. The event drew local leaders including MP Doug Eyolfson, Councillor Shawn Dobson, and representatives from MLA Logan Oxenham’s office. Coverage in the Winnipeg Free Press and community papers highlighted this vibrant expression of faith and connection. Together, the mural, the trail, and the 100 Tables initiative embody Prairie Spirit’s living call: we feed the hungry, nourish the soul, and welcome all.
Why did you do it?
As a way to embody who we are and what we believe in this centennial moment of The United Church of Canada. Rather than simply celebrating a milestone, we wanted to make our faith visible, tangible, and communal—to tell our story through art, hospitality, and shared experience. The project invited people to walk through the values that shape our life together as Prairie Spirit, as a member church of The United Church of Canada: Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice. By connecting these themes with the imagery of our mural—the prairie, the bread, and the rainbow (you will note also in there a QUILT pattern—something the artist proposed from the many quilt pieces we have inside the church, which resonated with us)—we expressed how faith is rooted in our place, shared in community, and open to all. The mural and tables together offered a living expression of our ministry's purpose to feed the hungry, nourish the soul, and welcome all. In a time when many feel disconnected, this was a way to reconnect people—with one another, with our story, and with God's inclusive love. Ultimately we did this to say to our congregation, our neighbours, and the wider community: "There's a place at the table for you!"
Media Coverage
- Winnipeg Free Press, "‘Something universal’: Prairie Spirit United Church receives new mural by Wolesley-based artist"
- Winnipeg Free Press, "‘Sign of our welcome’: mural transforms plain-looking church into inviting space"
