Guests brought greetings to celebrate 60 years of relationship between the United Church and the Korean community
About 100 Korean members of The United Church of Canada gathered for a celebration and thanksgiving worship service at Willowdale-Emmanuel United Church in Toronto, initiating a three-day celebration (May 13–15, 2025) that marked the 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada, and the 60th anniversary of Korean United Church ministry.
The worship, led by Rev. Yoonok Shin, included joint adult and children’s choirs from Alpha Korean, North York Korean, and Willowdale-Emmanuel United churches. Rev. Kay Cho and Rev. Dong-Chun Seo were the preachers. The offering was donated to the UCC’s Mission and Service Fund for theological education.
Among those in attendance and bringing greetings were: General Secretary Rev. Michael Blair and Emo Yango of the General Council Office; HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Principal, Emmanuel College; Peter Hartmans and Kim Uyede-Kai from Shining Waters Regional Council; Catherine Christie; Don Schweitzer; John Egger; Patti Talbot; and Calin Lau.
“We give God thanks for the vision and commitment of former Moderator, The Very Rev. Sang Chul Lee, for his determination and his strategic leadership in seeding Korean congregations in Canada. We want to honour the contribution of Rev. Richard Choe who served in the national church giving leadership to the Ethnic Ministries Unit and contributing to the proposal to become an Intercultural church, and Rev. Dr. Kay Cho who has served in pastoral ministry,” said Rev. Blair in his greetings.
“On Maundy Thursday, the church, as part of its centennial, launched A Place at the Table, an exhibition and campaign to remind the church and Canadian society of the importance of diversity and inclusion,” he added. “Thank you for your gifts and presence at the table and your continuing contribution to the widening of the table.”