100 Words of Hope remind us of the comfort that we can rely on in each other and our communities of faith
We're inviting United Church people to share "100 Words of Hope" that draw from deep spirituality to speak to these moments of high anxiety and change in the church, Canada, and the world.
We invite you to share your own 100-word reflection, poem, or prayer that conveys hope and faith in these times.
Together, we can inspire each other to live out the call of the church to deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice. We are not alone.
Hope Means We Are Never Alone
We are not alone; we live in God’s world. I find in these words comfort and hope.
Hope because I am not alone—God is with me—but also, I’m not the only person in this world. This means that while I have a role to play, the determination of the world, a country, a town, the United Church, my congregation or my family is not just up to me.
There are others who will work with me, challenge me, help me to be better, but also support me, lift me up, give me strength when I don’t have it myself.
—Rev. Mark Laird, Regional Council Executive Minister, Western Ontario Waterways, Horseshoe Falls, and Antler River regional councils
Embracing Passion and Truth
For a traveller on the road to Jerusalem, is it your passion they do not love you for? Would they love you more if you wore flowers in your hair? If you cast your eyes down when they declare as true what your mind and heart find false? Must you always acquiesce? Abandon your true self to win their love? Better to take the road to Jerusalem in passion and in truth. Stare down their scorn and bear rejection’s blow.
For in passion, you do not lose the world, and in truth, losing nothing, you gain your whole life, your soul.
—Patricia Jane Teskey, Cambridge Street United Church, Lindsay, Ontario
Rebirth After Amalgamation
Our community of faith has been reborn! We have closed three church buildings and settled in one. As rural people, we live long distances apart. My drive to church was 14 km and it's now 53 km. Even after amalgamation of four communities of faith our attendance at Sunday worship can be about 20, mostly over 70 years old, except for two young girls who attend with their great-grandparents.
Despite age, physical challenges, and small numbers that demand each of us wear many hats all the time, we strive forward, filled with the Spirit that enlivens and propels us onward under God's purpose for us.
—Carol Peterson, Windsong United Church, Madawaska, Ontario
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.