Voices from across the United Church share 100 Words of Hope, reminding us that refuge is always around the corner
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.
Towards God’s Kingdom
Oscar Romero of El Salvador once said, “Hope encourages us to create here earthly reflections of the beauty, the justice, and the love of God’s kingdom.” This quote from a 1979 sermon inspires me to work for a better future, even in these dark times, even in times when the church loses its way.
Everything we do to build peace, justice, and love brings God’s realm one step closer. That gives me hope.
—Rev. Teresa Burnett-Cole, Glebe-St. James United Church, Ottawa, Ontario
Hope Unwavering
Hope is the ember that never fades, the quiet light in shadowed valleys. It is the song carried on the wind, whispering, “You are not alone.” In loneliness, it reaches out; in illness, it strengthens; in grief, it cradles the weary heart.
The United Church stands as a beacon—welcoming, embracing, healing. In the face of homelessness, it offers refuge; in despair, it kindles faith. Rooted in love and committed to justice, we proclaim hope—not as a distant dream, but as a living truth.
God walks with us still—through sorrow, through trials—always leading toward dawn. Always toward home.
—Rohan Pushparajan, Lakeshore United Church, Goderich, Ontario
Humanity Gives Us Hope
Words of hope... no small task during any period of history. But especially now, when there is so much uncertainty around the world.
I'm given hope when I see communities, neighbourhoods, neighbours, even strangers, reach out to each other in times of a disaster. Always. Doesn't matter our beliefs, our gender, our ethnicity, how poor or how rich. Ordinary people jumping in to help, without thinking of anything but saving someone from drowning, saving them from a burning house.
What makes our natural human instinct jump into action? I don't have the answer, but when I see it, it gives me hope.
—Louise Michalos, Bedford, Nova Scotia
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.