Worship Blog
Unmasking Hard Truths
Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall reflects on the truths unmasked by 2020 and hopes what we have seen will bring change in 2021.
Finding Infectious Joy in 2020
Sara Stratton shares the story of a neighbourhood which discovers community in unexpected ways, as “Dad jokes” go viral during the pandemic.
Fear Not
John R. Thompson of the National Indigenous Council asks us to hear what the Creator may be saying to us this Advent season.
The Halo Effect
Rev. Katherine Brittain urges us to recognize the unique capacity of faith communities to carry the grief of these times.
Letter of Prayer for Michael Blair from the Black Clergy Network
The Black Clergy Network in The United Church of Canada has offered a prayer of support for the Rev. Michael Blair, as he begins his new role as the General Secretary, General Council.
A Call for Social Holiness
Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall writes that to be prophetic in the face of racial intolerance is to proclaim the extravagant grace of God by the way we live.
Struggling to Adjust to COVID-19 in Korea
United Church Co-worker in Mission, John Egger, reports on his experience of ministry in Seoul, Korea during the time of pandemic.
Note from Nora: Encountering the Unknowable Mystery We Call God
General Secretary Nora Sanders writes about ways faith is interwoven with the natural world.
How We Are Re-opening Our Church
Daniel Benson shares that returning to in-person worship with the extended church family is like coming home.
Why Haven’t We Opened Church Doors Yet?
Daniel Benson writes that as church in the time of COVID-19, we must care for each other like family, not just spiritually, but bodily as well.
Note from Nora: Celebrating Church Union in Times of Change
June 10, 2020: Happy anniversary to all of us in The United Church of Canada. Our church is 95 years old today! Do you wonder, like me, what those founders from 1925 would make of our church – and our world – today? So much that we take for granted would seem completely strange to them. On… Read more
Mind-Boggling Intercultural Change and Potential
During Asian Heritage Month, Noel A. Suministrado, a United Church minister from the Philippines, sees great opportunities for the church as it opens itself to Canada’s changing demographic realities.
Moderator's Online Worship - Sunday, May 3, 2020
In his online worship service, Moderator Richard Bott shares a reflection about the followers of the risen Christ finding power and joy in the breaking of bread together - even when it's shared virtually during hard times.
Testing the Call: Vocation Sunday 2020
For Vocation Sunday, Rev. Bronwyn Corlett writes about how others helped her develop leadership skills after she was first ordained.
After Tragedy, Candles Keep the Light Alive
Ruth Noble shares her memories of Lisa McCully, one of those killed in the Nova Scotia shootings. In the hours after learning of her death, the Berwick Camp community came together online to remember her by placing candles in their windows.
Moderator's Online Worship - Sunday, April 19, 2020
Moderator Richard Bott shares a worship service for Sunday, April 19, 2020 and reflects on the role of doubt in our faith and how it can lead us to experience the good news for ourselves.
Being Neighbours During the Pandemic
In response to COVID-19, communities of faith are learning to be neighbourly in new ways.
Moderator's Online Worship - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
During these difficult days of pandemic, Moderator Richard Bott shares that the Resurrection happens in every moment, and calls us to be people of new life even in when we're locked down in our virtual spaces.
Note from Nora: In these Strange Times
General Secretary Nora Sanders writes that we might find our faith deepening as we experience church in new ways during the COVID-19 crisis.
Gender Inclusion Week at Camp Pringle
Katherine Brittain writes about Camp Pringle's experiment of "Gender Inclusion Week" and how its success provides a model for welcoming children and families of all kinds to be part of the camping experience.
The Great Gathering
At The Great Gathering in November of 2019, 24 people from United Church of Canada camps, joined more than 540 innovative outdoor ministry partners gathered at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The event was hosted by… Read more
Where Were You?
In this excerpt from the new Lenten devotional "Faithfully Yours: Letters for the Wondering," Bri-anne Swan reflects on the perennial question, “God, where were you?”
Celebrating Love, Community, and Restoration
An LGBTQ member of the United Church writes that they came to Canada with their partner to be free, yet are still not fully accepted in the church. So they never imagined their wedding would be so beautiful and noble, made so by friends and God.
Learning How to Fly Could Help Your Congregation Soar
Bronwyn Corlett shares a review of the book Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight, by the Rev. Cameron Trimble.
Checking Your Privilege
Privilege is not only about racism! While we usually associate the phrase “check your privilege” in discussions about racism, the phrase has much wider implications. Ever so often we may need to check our privilege, to do that type of self-examination to see what advantages we may have which… Read more
[REDacted]
Kelsi James shares her video poem "[REDacted]," as a reflection on her experience serving as United Church oversea personnel in China.
Echo
In this video, Kelsi James, United Church oversea personnel in China, shares the song "Echo" which she wrote after arriving in Lanzhou, China as a reflection on her experience.
Christmas Is Everywhere
Serving in a country that doesn’t celebrate the holiday, overseas personnel Kelsi James discovers the Christmas spirit lives in friends.
Going Home
Padre Tyler Powell writes on the important role of military chaplains who help soldiers decompress and reflect on their service as they make the transition back home.
The Quiet
Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall reflects on the story of Joseph and finds a lesson about the importance of supporting men and offering them a space to talk about their feelings.
A Call for Dignity
Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud writes that neighbourhoods should be places where everyone is given a chance at the best life.
Responding in Repentance and Hope
For the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Peter Cruchley writes about the Council for World Mission’s efforts to seek truth and make reparations for its historic role in support of slavery.
Note from Nora: How Open Are We to Transformation?
General Secretary Nora Sanders wonders how much the church is willingly to waive in order to welcome new generations.
Sharing Our Stories, Claiming Our Names
Kim Uyede-Kai writes from the Asian Ecumenical Women’s Assembly, a “herstorical” assembly where women could hear one another’s stories be given voice, some for the first time.
To Bloom for More than a Day
Rev. Ruth Lumax reflects on how learning to become an intercultural church can help us develop into lush and vibrant communities of faith.
A Hot Pot of Humanity
Kelsi James, United Church of Canada Overseas Personnel in China, writes on her experience of finding authentic community so far from home.
What I Am Remembering
For Remembrance Day, military chaplain and United Church minister Capt. (Rev.) Linda Tomlinson-Seebach reflects on the cost of war and peace.
I’m Your Minister, Not Your Friend
“Friendship with the minister is really awkward for a couple of reasons,” writes the Rev. Dan Benson.
Ministers Need Mental Health Support Too
One minister shares his story of depression in hopes of lifting the stigma of mental illness among ministers and encouraging churches to provide better mental health support.
Just Because I’m a Minister, Does That Mean I Shouldn’t Swear?
Dan Benson writes that, "like all those stereotypes of ministers’ work, none is so sticky as the stereotype that the minister mustn’t swear. Heaven forbid!"
Baptism in the St. Lawrence
Sunday, September 8, 2019 wasn’t the warmest early fall day and the St. Lawrence River had already begun to cool. Nevertheless, seven people from our faith community elected to be baptized (or renew their baptismal vows) through full immersion in the river. It’s powerful to witness members of… Read more
The Horror and Grace of the Annual Church Picnic
Dan Benson writes that few things can instill apprehension in a minister as the annual church picnic.
The Giving Church
Writer Julie McGonegal reflects on the radical generosity of the people of The United Church of Canada.
A Conversation toward Inclusion
Sharon Ballantyne shares about a conversation on inclusion, in which participants sought brave and safe space to engage with each other with all their hearts.
Of Sprinklers and God
The Rev. Dan Benson writes that, even in the solving of a minor plumbing problem such as a kinked hose, God opens the door for us to one another and the world.
Being Together
Tom Reynolds writes that the experience of being with people with disabilities can reawaken an awareness of the deeply human condition of vulnerable interdependence.
"The Ship Is their Parish"
Senior United Church chaplain Shaun Yaskiw writes that for United Church chaplains, ministry at sea is ever-changing.
Creating Autism-friendly Worship
The Rev. Norm Seli writes about creating worship that speaks to people on the autism spectrum.
The Dangers and Blessings of Being Affirming
Recent acts of hate targeting United Church ministries who are affirming of LGBTQIA2S+ people, show the importance of continuing to struggle for justice and inclusion for all.
Queer? Absolutely. Black? Not So Sure.
Basil Coward asks, Can you be both queer and Black, and enjoy a celebrated and visible presence in the United Church?
On Vanier, Voice, and Disability
Mandate magazine consulted people with disabilities across the church and invited them to share their experiences in The United Church of Canada.
Centring my Life
Following personal challenges and global tragedies, Japhet Ndhlovu finds fortitude and centring in God and colleagues through United Church clergy gatherings.
Chaplain among those Lost in Normandy 75 Years Ago
Two Canadian Armed Forces chaplains remember United Church minister, the Rev. William Alfred Seaman, who served as a chaplain during World War II and is among those who lost their lives in Normandy 75 years ago.
Living the Word with the Moroccan Church at the Crossroads
Get to know Emmanuela Loccident and Fritz Gerald-Joseph, new Co-workers in Mission. They begin a joint appointment of The United Church of Canada and the Common Global Ministries Board (United Church of Christ USA/Disciples of Christ) assigned to the Evangelical Church of Morocco.… Read more
Note from Nora: What We Truly Seek to Be as Church
In her "Note from Nora," General Secretary Nora Sanders writes that as live into our new church structures, we can now look forward to having more time for conversations about what we seek to be as church.
A Life in Global Misson Service
Called to serve in global mission, Rob Witmer writes about his lifelong passion to serve in Japan.
Church Is Where I Want to Be
Called to serve on a global mission trip to Nicaragua, Sarah Jane Wetelainen's faith journey and life choices were fundamentally shaped by the experience.
Embodying Relationship with the Church in Korea
Called to serve in global mission service in Korea, John Egger is discovering firsthand the exciting new things God is calling us to.
Practicing Faith
In the blog post Rev. David Sherwin writes that being a Christian isn’t something we are, it is something we aspire to be. When we practice our faith we set ourselves free.
Feeling Tempted?
A reflection on the temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13).
I seldom imagine Jesus as vulnerable to temptation. For me, Jesus is confident, outspoken, insightful, inspiring – even unshakable in his conviction that the world can and must be better, and that love is the way. But… Read more
Note from Nora: Where Pain, Joy, Fear, and Hope Intersect
Lent is a time for contemplation, for going a bit deeper, for finding the places where pain and joy and fear and hope intersect.
All Questions Allowed
The editor of Mandate magazine finds that in these times of change, there are no easy answers when it comes to talking about God with youth.
Love Your Enemies
Most of Canada celebrated a long weekend recently, and in several provinces, the February holiday is called Family Day. The holiday’s name is a good reminder for all of us about the importance of appreciating our families and spending time together with those we love. I appreciated that my son (and… Read more
Everyday Skeptics Show Us Prophetic Risk
Everyday Skeptics: Devotions for Spiritual Growth is the new United Church Lenten devotional for 2019. It features reflections from United Church partners who do local and global ministry, often in challenging situations of "prophetic risk." We spoke with the editor of the book,… Read more
Together in God’s Mission
I join other people in the ecumenical world to celebrate and recognize an honour that has been bestowed on the Rev. Jose Belo Chipenda. The President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço, recognised the contributions to the gaining and preservation of National Independence, as well as peace… Read more
God Isn’t Done with Us
My earliest church memories are tethered to St. James-Bond United Church in Toronto. (Of course, we called it “Bond…St. James Bond, United Church,” with a Sean Connery burr.) I won’t elaborate with tales of basketball courts and bowling alleys, wonderful ministers, witty musicians, finger… Read more
Unwrapping "The 'Huron' Carol"
We have received many comments and questions about whether or not to incorporate the “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” into Christmas carol services. Thanks to Dana Lynn Seaborn, of seabornsong.com, who offered us a helpful response to start the conversation… Read more
Freezies, Games, Prayer, (and More Freezies)
In the summer of 2018, our church decided to try Vacation Bible School camp (VBS).
The last time the United Church had organized a Vacations Bible School in the Gatineau Hills was circa 1955. Unsure of whether we could do this alone, Église Grace United Church asked our Anglican… Read more
A Trip Full of Teachings and Right Relations
During their visit to Saskatchewan Conference, the GC43 Pilgrims learned more about the First Nations groups in the area and more.
This Odd and Wondrous Calling
Are you a clergy person needing a little reminder about why you are in ministry? Are you a person considering ministry? This is the book for you!
Vital Directions from the Past for the Future
The United Church of Canada is celebrating a number of milestone events which have played a significant role in shaping this United Church of ours. These anniversaries will be reflected upon at Marking Moments, a… Read more
Life-long Lessons at the Crossroads
The GC43 Pilgrims learn about human rights movements, Métis culture, and community in Winnipeg.
Encountering the Indigenous Church
The GC43 Pilgrims learn from Creation and community, during their visit with the All Native Circle Conference.
Celebrating and Reflecting Our Milestones
It’s an anniversary year for the United Church as we celebrate and reflect on numerous milestone events that have played a significant role in shaping the church that we know and love today. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a variety people about these anniversaries (see below) for a… Read more
In Search of Monuments of Healing
In London Conference, the GC43 Pilgrims visit sites where healing is overcoming the oppression which once took place.
Days of Growth
The GC43 Pilgrims take part in the Skylight Festival and visit some of the innovative ministries in Hamilton Conference.
Global Learning in Bay of Quinte
The Bay of Quinte Conference was the fourth United Church Conference that we, the GC43 Pilgrims, had the amazing opportunity to see.
A Pilgrim’s Experience of History and Culture
The GC43 youth pilgrims experience the rich history and culture of Canada during their visit to Montreal and Ottawa Conference.
Pilgrimage to Maritime Conference
Throughout our time in the Maritime Conference we had many insightful talks that were helpful leading into our time at General Council 43.
Healing Together in Fredericton
It started with a text message. The buzzing of my phone woke me up and I lay there for a few minutes enjoying the warm sun coming through my window. The Maritimes had been experiencing something of a heat wave but on this glorious morning everything seemed perfect. That soon changed.… Read more
I Love the Questions
I was eighteen, heading off to university, full of both excitement and anxiety for the new adventures of learning and life ahead. I was also already thinking about entering ordained ministry in The United Church of Canada. My spirit was bursting with passion for all things related to… Read more
Sharing the Pilgrim Spirit
We started this wonderful journey together separately, working in our home Conferences to understand the work our Conference does. When that week was over we traveled to Newfoundland to covenant and to learn from the wisdom of the place.
Festival of Faith to "Turn the Church Inside Out"
The United Church of Canada is kicking off the 43rd General Council with the Festival of Faith. This celebration of our work and witness through the arts takes place July 21-22, 2018 in… Read more
Planting Seeds of Connection: Clusters and Networks
With the remits likely moving us toward a three-council model in The United Church of Canada, Living Waters Presbytery (Toronto Conference) wanted to ensure that local communities of faith will receive the… Read more
We Can Dance If We Want To
I was probably going to make a fool of myself. My colleague asks all of us, kids and adults, to sit in a circle. She pulls out a single roll of toilet paper. She tells us to pick off as many sheets of toilet paper as we wish. But she doesn't say why. It's for our first activity together. There… Read more
Let Our True Colours Shine
The old, grey stone steps of my local United Church in Toronto were recently transformed. They are now awash in a cheerful rainbow of hues, almost daring people who bustle by on the busy Toronto street not to stop and smile. I’m sure more than a few pedestrians have wondered, “What’s going on… Read more
Why Christian Family Sunday?
Our God is a God of relationship, who seeks us out and longs for us to live in relationship with others and all of creation. (You may be saying to yourself right about now, well duh!) I believe that on Christian Family Sunday we are… Read more
Mission before Ministry?
Ever so often in the church I hear statements and experience attitudes that cause me concern. One such incident occurred recently in response to the outcome of Remit 6 (One Order of Ministry.) My concern is not about the apparent merits or demerits of Remit 6, or about who voted either for or… Read more
Speaking Outside of Words
During this upcoming year, as major changes to our church structure are under consideration, many of us will be planning worship services for people who are dealing with and working through the complex feelings involved with change: the grief, loss, and sadness in saying goodbye to the courts of… Read more
What Makes Us Protestant: What about Mary?
For the first thousand years of Christianity, and particularly since the Council of Ephesus in 431, Mary has held a special place in Christian faith. But for just as long, there has been debate about how “special” that place ought to be.
10 Ways to Celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month
Did you know that October is Clergy Appreciation Month? It was introduced in the United States in the 1990s but throughout church history people have taken time to thank their leaders.
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour… Read more
What Makes Us Protestant: Teachings That Matter
October 31, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, an important date in the history of the United Church and for Reformed Churches around the world. To commemorate the occasion, we are publishing a series of blog posts by Trisha Elliott on "What Makes Us Protestant… Read more
Where is the Conversation about Mission?
At the end of September 2017 the commissioners of the 42nd General Council will gather electronically for the reconvening of General Council. This purpose of reconvening the General Council will be to further the work began by the… Read more
Forgotten Church Histories Remembered
Windsor / Detroit churches commemorate their connection to rum-running and the Underground Railroad.
My United Church Home
I’ve travelled enough that I know it’s possible to find a feeling of home away from home. I mean real, authentic familiarity, not just a good friend’s place or a comfortable motel. I’ve also travelled enough to know that this is really quite rare. A sense of belonging doesn’t come easy.
Learning to Listen
This is an excerpt from Moderator Jordan Cantwell's Accountability Report for the meeting General Council Executive, May 6-7, 2017. Please pray for those meeting for GCE as you consider the Moderator's reflection below. You can read the full … Read more
“Let Your Life Speak”
A review of Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation (Jossey-Bass Inc: San Francisco, 2000, 109 pages).
Sometimes we want to be people and things that we aren’t. These desires can be aspirations, and are sometimes even altruistic goals.… Read more
The Dove at “3250”
Doves have been an important symbol of peace for Christians since early biblical times. In 1944, when the United Church Crest was adopted, a dove representing “the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:10) whose transforming power has… Read more
Ten Things Churches Should Stop Saying
A couple of years ago, my wife decided what she would give up for Lent was complaining about being tired and overworked. Amazingly, she discovered that once she stopped telling herself how tired and overworked she was, she felt a lot less tired and overworked! Changing how she talked actually… Read more
5 Reasons the Church May Make It
Last week I published a blog, 5 Reasons the Church May Not Find a Way Ahead. This blog is the counterpoint.
First, a couple of preliminary clarifications.
What a Nimrod!
One of my all-time favourite compositions is Edward Elgar’s Op. 36 (popularly known as Enigma Variations). This piece is a love story where each movement is a tribute to one of Elgar’s friends. It is complex, playful, and heartfelt; it… Read more
Good News of Great Joy
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night…
As we enter into Advent, we bring to mind the birth of Christ and the mystery of the Incarnation. It’s a time when we become a little more awe-filled with the chaotic, gracious… Read more
We're Seeing Signs!
The United Church of Canada doesn’t have a singular motto or slogan it is known for, though there are many strong statements already in use across the church. On our website’s home page, under our name, are… Read more
The Future of the Church is Becoming Clear (Almost)
Keith Howard, former executive director of the Emerging Spirit project, writes about the future of The United Church of Canada.
At the risk of sounding naïve, the shape of The United Church of Canada, in my corner of the continent, seems to be emerging from the fog generated by… Read more
Pokémon Buzz
Walking home from work at this week at noon hour, I have seen groups of people congregating behind the community pool between the office and our house. I guessed what they were up to even before I noticed them all staring down at their cellphones. The resident… Read more
