For four days in August at Brock University, youth came together to build a community rooted in faith, belonging, and hope
From August 12 to 15, 2026, more than 500 youth, young adults, leaders, volunteers, and global partners gathered at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, for Collective 2026: (Em)brace for Impact, a national youth gathering hosted by The United Church of Canada and The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Now, as we look back on those days together, we give thanks for the worship, learning, and moments of connection and budding friendship that continue to inspire participants weeks after the gathering. The theme (Em)brace for Impact invited youth to embrace one another, embrace their communities, and embrace the opportunities and challenges of our time with courage and hope.
As attendees arrived from communities across Canada and around the world, a spirit of excitement and welcome quickly took hold. Friends reunited, new relationships were formed, and participants began building a community rooted in faith, belonging, and mutual encouragement.
The gathering opened with an acknowledgement of the land, and a smudging ceremony led by Indigenous partners. The African Youth Choir of St. Paul’s United Church helped fill the opening worship with music and joy, and the beautiful music, prayer, and celebration continued throughout the weekend.
Young global partners were excited to greet their peers, including those representing the Presbyterian Church of Korea, the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the East Jerusalem YMCA, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. Together, these voices reminded participants that they are part of a global community of faith connected by hope, compassion, and a shared commitment to justice.
Day two saw youth and young adults participate in workshops exploring everything from Scottish country dancing, to youth advocacy, to conversations about why church matters. They asked big questions, learned new skills, and shared ideas about how to put faith into action.
A highlight of the gathering was keynote speaker J.R. LaRose, who challenged participants to think about what it means to rise to meet the moments before them. His message encouraged those present to consider who they are called to become, and how they can support one another in creating positive change.
Throughout Collective, we heard moving testimonies from youth and young adults, including global partners, reminding us of the many communities, experiences, and perspectives gathered together at Collective, working to draw the circle wide (and draw it wider still).
Participants also engaged organizations that support young people and serve the world. They met with theological colleges, youth organizations, advocacy groups, ecumenical collectives, and global partnership and development agencies. They were able to hear real-life stories of how faith can be lived out through service, leadership, learning, and community engagement.
And there was plenty of joy! From games and delicious food to an incredible DJ-led worship service that had participants dancing together, community continued to take shape in unexpected and joyful ways.
By the final day on August 15, there was a bittersweet feeling across campus as participants prepared for their journeys home. In discipleship groups, participants gathered in smaller communities to reflect on everything they’ve experienced this week, deepen new friendships, and explore how they might carry the spirit of Collective home with them.
As one youth participant put it, “I didn’t really know what to expect coming here, but I’ve made so many friends and laughed so much. It’s cool being around people my age who are figuring out faith too. It's honestly over too quickly.”
The final full day ended with a celebration in Jubilee Courtyard. Decked out in glow-in-the-dark attire, participants filled the courtyard with music, laughter, and dancing. Like David dancing before God, there was plenty of joyful movement.
Over four memorable days, youth and young adults demonstrated the difference that can be made when people come together in faith, authenticity, and love. Even as the gathering concluded, participants found ways to extend its spirit of generosity. Leftover food was shared with a nearby shelter supporting people who are unhoused, and donations were collected for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in support of efforts to address global hunger.
As we share this wrap video linked above, we celebrate all who helped make Collective 2026 possible and give thanks for the many ways its impact continues to be felt.
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.