Worship Blog
Welcoming New Immigrants from Hong Kong
Rev. Dr. Alan Lai writes that the United Church is perfectly positioned to welcome traumatized immigrants from Hong Kong.
October is Latin American Heritage Month
Éric Hébert-Daly previews ways the United Church will commemorate Latin American Heritage Month and celebrates our connection to Latino communities of faith.
A Mission to Welcome
The Rev. Dr. Alan Lai urges the United Church to prepare for a new wave of immigrants from Hong Kong.
Chaplaincy as an Evolution of Ministry
Tips and best practices for mental health and well being from Lieutenant Commander (Padre) Earl Klotz.
As COVID-19 Continues in Korea
John Egger, a United Church co-worker in mission serving in Korea, shares an update on churches in Korea during the pandemic.
Space for Creation and Discovery
During Pride Month, artist Noah Janosch Brown writes about finding a safe place in a United Church to create art and nurture self-discovery.
Unsettling Thoughts on Church Union
Kenji Marui asks if we have confused “unity” with “uniformity”? All may be one, yes! But not that all may be one-and-the-sa
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health and Ministry Personnel
The Rev. Adam Hanley addresses the issue of mental health challenges affecting ministry personnel.
The Desert Gives Life
For Mental Health Awareness Week, Rev. David Boyd talks about his personal journey with depression.
Wishing for a Better World
Rev. Cindy Bourgeois considers how a world without transphobia would improve the mental health of trans people.
Life May Not Always Go as Planned
For Mental Health Awareness Week, Keith Simmonds shares his personal journey of resiliency and recovery through a period of depression and anxiety.
Breaking the Silence about Mental Health
By recognizing that mental health affects us all, congregations can decrease stigma and shame and instead offer grace and support.
Churches Adapting to Technological Change
Rev. David Shearman shares how the decision to hold General Council 44 fully online is the fulfillment of a decades-long dream for early adapters of technology in the church.
What If We Are on the Road to Emmaus?
Carla Leon asks if we're missing the signs of vibrant ministry because they don't fit our existing ideas of church.
We Are Church
Rev. Dr. Paul Douglas Walfall writes that when the church was willing to do things differently — despite situations such as COVID-19 — the church flourished.
Forgiveness as a Way of Life
The Rev. Marie-Claude Manga reflects on her ministry and work as an ordained Black woman with The United Church of Canada
One Instrument in the Orchestra
Nancy Oliver-MacKenzie writes about the role of Montreal's Union United Church as a force for social justice for the Black community and beyond.
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.
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.
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… 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?”
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 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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
